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

Abstract Aim To explore inner strength as a mediator of the relationship between disease and self‐rated health among older people. Background Qualitative 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. Design A cross‐sectional design was used. Method The sample included 6119 participants from Finland and Sweden, in the ages of 65, 70, 75 and 80 years. 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. Results The 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. Conclusion This large cross‐sectional study with participants from 65 to 80 years 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.