Inner strength in women with chronic illness

Abstract

Objectives This literature review summarizes research relevant to the meaning of inner strength in females living with a chronic illness. This review also examined studies that have used The Inner Strength Questionnaire to examine inner strength among chronically ill females. Methods Using the search terms inner strength and women, CINAHL, PubMed, and ProQuest Nursing databases were searched for the years 1990–2016. Ten articles met the inclusion criteria. Results Inner strength in women is a mental health construct that women can encompass to positively affect their quality of life while living through challenging life events. The Theory of Inner Strength appears to be a useful a framework for understanding how physical, psychological, and spiritual health can promote well-being, quality of life, and spirituality in women. Discussion The limited number of studies identified suggests the need for further investigations to explore the relationship between inner strength and quality of life among females living with chronic health conditions. The Inner Strength Questionnaire is a unique tool with adequate psychometric properties to measure inner strength in chronically ill women that includes a holistic assessment of living with a chronic illness that encompasses women’ social, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.