Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal communication is defined as relations between two people.This type of communication can be held in person or through an intermediary such as the telephone, computer or handwritten letters. The relationship between the two people communicating with one another is the point of analysis used to study interpersonal communication.
Interpersonal nursing theories focus on the relationship between the nurse and the patient or family. They often focus on developing a therapeutic relationship and promote caring between the nurse and patient or family. Interpersonal communication skills are essential to developing this relationship and include verbal and non-verbal communication as well as listening and clarifying what the patient means. Hildegard Peplau is often considered the mother of interpersonal nursing theories and stated that ‘The nurse- patient relationship is the primary human contact that is central in a fundamental way to providing nursing care “(Peplau, 1997, pg. 163)
Peplau, H. (1997) Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relationships. Nursing Science Quarterly, 10(4), 162-167
Peplau, H. (1997) Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relationships. Nursing Science Quarterly, 10(4), 162-167