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Psychiatric nurses' perceptions of the constituents of the therapeutic relationship: a grounded theory study.

Scanlon A

Ashmount, Beech Road, Portlaw, Co. Waterford, Ireland. scanlona@gofree.indigo.ie

Psychiatric nursing is invariably linked with a therapeutic role; however, the question remains unanswered in relation to the extent psychiatric nurses perceive the importance of the constituents of the therapeutic relationship. The aim of this research is to ascertain the nature and comprehension psychiatric nurses assign the development of this therapeutic relationship. Grounded theory methodology was utilized to develop these conceptualizations to elicit a theory relating to what comprises the therapeutic relationship. Semi-structured depth interviews were conducted with 6 registered psychiatric nurses who have 2-10 years of experience. The main findings of the research related to how psychiatric nurses learn to form these relationships and what skills are utilized within the relationship. The research discovered that the therapeutic relationship is therapeutic, but the degree of positive change is difficult to measure. The results of the study indicate that the process of developing therapeutic relationships is a combination of a learned experience through the acquiring of interpersonal skills; however, these skills are redundant if the individual has not acquired sufficient life experience to intuitively appreciate the therapeutic aspect of the relationship.

Published 1 June 2006 in J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs, 13(3): 319-29.
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