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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 10, 2025

Enactive Phenomenological Approach to the Trier Social Stress Test: A Mixed Methods Point of View

Enactive Phenomenological Approach to the Trier Social Stress Test: A Mixed Methods Point of View

Published on: January 7, 2019

Inner Strength-A Systematic Review of Qualitative Empirical Studies.

Astrid Norberg¹, Gunilla Strandberg¹

¹Emerita, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.

Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences

|August 25, 2025

Summary

Inner strength (IS) is a cluster concept in healthcare, encompassing connectedness, internal resources, growth, and a positive outlook. It develops throughout life and is crucial for a life worth living.

Keywords:

concept inner strength internal resources lay term literature review qualitative approach relationship

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Area of Science:

Health Sciences
Psychology
Sociology

Background:

The term "inner strength" (IS) is frequently used in empirical health care studies.
Understanding the conceptualization of IS is crucial for its application in clinical practice and research.

Purpose of the Study:

To review and analyze the use and meaning of "inner strength" (IS) in empirical health care research.
To identify common themes and definitions associated with IS across different studies.

Main Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted for empirical studies published between 1990 and 2024.
64 selected articles underwent summative content analysis to examine the definition and context of IS.

Main Results:

Inner strength (IS) was categorized into three groups based on its use in study aims and descriptions.
Common themes identified include "connectedness," "internal resource," "growth/transition," and "positive outlook."
IS was often described as a cluster concept, with varying but related aspects, and sometimes used as a lay term.

Conclusions:

Inner strength (IS) is a multifaceted concept, representing an important inner resource.
It is cultivated through connections with others and evolves throughout an individual's life.
IS contributes significantly to a "life worth living."