More than the sum of their parts: Martha Rogers and Hildegard Peplau

Nursing practice is guided by a variety of theoretical models. Therefore, nursing theories are commonly selected by service institutions to focus practice. Both Rogers and Peplau made major contributions to the theory and practice of nursing, and both are appropriate models for the discipline of psychiatric and mental health nursing. This article explores the grand theory of Martha Rogers in conjunction with the use of the middle-range theory of Hildegard Peplau. Points of resonance, theoretical fit, and differences between theories are discussed. Appropriateness to practice of both theories are identified and the need for both perspectives is articulated.