This textbook aims to aid nurses and nursing students in improving their relationships with patients. Basic principles and concepts drawn from interpersonal relations theory, are defined and their applications in nursing practice are described. These theories aim to provide a foundation for nurses to learn more complex, related theories. Emphasis is placed on nurses understanding their own behaviour and on helping others to understand their health-related difficulties. To illustrate the topic, problematic human responses observed during illness are described. This is a re-issue of an out-of-print text first published in 1952.