First Systematic Theory in Psychiatric Nursing:
Hildegard Peplau, one of the nurse-theorist, published a book on Interpersonal Relations in Nursing (1952) and gave-the introduction of the first systematic theoretical framework for psychiatric nursing. She focused on the nurse-patient relationship. Her theory has been described as drawing from developmental (Blake, 1980), interpersonal (Peplau, 1952) and learning (Lego, 1980) theoriks.
Peplau has defined nursing as a signiJicant, therapeutic, interpersonal, process that aims to promote a patientk health in the direction of creative, constructive, productive, personal and community living.
Peplau's concept and theory has changed the role of psychiatric nurses to a great extent.