Inner Strength in Women


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Inner Strength in Women

Gayle M. Roux
Ph.D, RN, CNS, NP-C
Assistant Professor
Virginia Commonwealth University

The phenomenon of inner strength has been studied in women with various chronic illnesses (Dingley, 1997; Dingley, Bush, & Roux, 2001; Koob, Roux, & Bush, 2002; Roux, Bush, & Dingley, 2001), demonstrating commonalities in the experiences that bridge the boundaries created by disease taxonomy or individual circumstance. Inner strength is defined as a central human resource that promotes well-being and healing (Roux, Dingley, & Bush, 2002).
The recontextualized conceptual model of inner strength is revealed in the five constructs:

(a) Knowing and Searching,

(b) Nurturing Through Connection,

(d) Healing through Movement in the Present, and

(e) Connecting with the Future by Living a New Normal.

The theory questionnaire includes four scales that measure spirituality, problem solving, mental spirit, and balance. These scales are accompanied by suggested interventions that doctors could use to help their women patients avoid the weight gain, depression, anxiety and other issues that commonly occur following cancer treatment. These issues can reduce longevity and quality of life.
The theory of inner strength has important implications for health care providers to improve health outcomes and symptom management for women living with chronic illness.

Website:

Gayle M. Roux - Faculty Profile, Virginia Commonwealth University
Development and testing of the Inner Strength Questionnaire - Journal of Cultural Diversity, Spring, 2003 by Gayle Roux, Kristi Lewis, Janet Younger, Catherine Dingley (FindArticles LookSmart)
The Psychometric Properties of the Inner Strength Questionnaire for Women with Chronic Health Conditions - A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. By Kristi Leanne Lewis. (PDF file) VCU Libraries.

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Gayle M. Roux

Selected Publications:

Roux, G. and Keyser, P. (1994). Inner strength in women with breast cancer. Illness, Crises and Loss 4(2), 1-12.
Roux, G. & Dingley, C. "A Grounded Theory: Inner Strength in Women." Research paper presented at the Scientific Sessions of Sigma Theta Tau International Biennial Convention, Indianapolis, Indiana, December 3, 1997.
Roux, G. "Inner Strength in Women: A Grounded Theory." Research paper presentation at the Qualitative Health Research International Conference, Vancouver, Canada, February 21, 1998.
Roux, G. & Koob, P. "Inner Strength in Women with Multiple Sclerosis." Research paper presented at the Tenth International Critical and Feminist Perspectives in Nursing Conference, Williamsburg, Virginia, October 15, 1999.
Roux, G., Bush, H., & Dingley, C. (Fall, 2000). Inner strength in women with breast cancer. Journal of Theory Construction & Testing 4(2), 36-39.
Dingley, C., Roux, G. & Bush, H. (Fall, 2000). Inner strength: A concept analysis. Journal of Theory Construction & Testing 4(2),30-35.
Dingley, C., Bush, H., & Roux, G. (2001). Inner strength in women recovering from coronary heart disease: A grounded theory. Journal of Theory Construction and Testing, 5(2), 45-52.
Roux, G., Dingley, C., & Bush, H. (2002). Inner strength in women: Metasynthesis of qualitative findings in theory development. Journal of Theory Construction and Testing, 6(1), 4-15

Last Edited: Wednesday March 23, 2005