[The psychodynamic nursing theory by Hildegard E. Peplau]

Peplau's theory is one of the early Nursing theories, published in 1952. The nurse-patient relationship consists of four steps (orientation, identification, development and conclusion). In these steps nurse could have the role of foreign, reliable person, teacher, guide in nursing care, substitute and consultant. Nurse-patient relationship is influenced by psychobiological experiences (needs, frustrations, conflicts and anxiety) which need dynamism. Peplau thinks that Nursing care is an important opportunity for nurse because she can help patient to complete the infancy psychological tasks (learning to rely on other people, learning to show satisfaction, self-identifying, and developing ability in sharing) if these are not completed. For these reasons Nursing, by Peplau, is a maturation strength of civilization.