Inner strength as a mediator of the relationship between disease and self-rated health among old people

AimTo explore inner strength as a mediator of the relationship between disease and self-rated health among older people. BackgroundQualitative research has indicated that inner strength is an essential resource for an individual affected by disease. A hypothesis of inner strength as a mediator of the relationship between disease and self-rated health was proposed. The theoretical framework of inner strength was based on the Model of Inner Strength. DesignA cross-sectional design was used. MethodThe sample included 6119 participants from Finland and Sweden, in the ages of 65, 70, 75 and 80years. The GERDA-Botnia questionnaire, which included the Inner Strength Scale and items related to diseases and self-rated health, was sent out between October and December 2010. Structural equation modelling was used to test a hypothesized model. ResultsThe result indicated that having a disease was associated with poorer self-rated health and a lower degree of inner strength and a higher degree of inner strength was associated with better self-rated health. The result supported the hypothesis by indicating that inner strength partially mediated the relationship between disease and self-rated health. ConclusionThis large cross-sectional study with participants from 65 to 80years of age from Finland and Sweden showed that inner strength can be a resource for older people affected by disease. Increasing inner strength in older people affected by disease may be one intervention to support experiences of health despite disease.