AN ANALYSIS OF THE CONCEPT OF COUNTERTRANSFERENCE

A knowledge of countertransference is a necessary step in using it the rapeutically in the nurse-patient relationship. However, this concept, which has its roots in psychoanalytic theory, has been applied to nur ses and nursing situations in an unhelpful and ambiguous manner. In fa ct, the term is often used to denigrate nurses without providing clari ty as to what the components of countertransference are and how they m ight be understood and used therapeutically As such, it is necessary t o delineate the meaning of countertransference in its entirety as a co ncept suitable for nursing practice. Positive countertransference, neg ative countertransference, and empathy are the composite parts of the concept of countertransference. Through concept analysis, by using met hods outlined by Rodgers (1989), Journal of Advanced Nursing, 14, 330- 335, it is suggested that countertransference is an inescapable factor in the nurse-patient relationship. Furthermore, a comprehensive analy sis of the concept of countertransference will assist nurses in recogn izing it when it occurs and may enhance the use of the understanding g ained to the benefit of the nurse-patient relationship. Copyright (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.