Development and testing of the inner strength questionnaire.

The aim of this research brief is to describe the results of psychometric evaluation of a new instrument to measure inner strength in women with chronic illness. Inner strength is defined as a central human resource that promotes well-being and healing (Roux, Dingley, & Bush, 2002). The instrument can be used in clinical settings to examine women's inner strengths associated with cognitive, social, physical, and mental needs to improve health outcomes and enhance well-being. 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.