Gayle Roux

Interrelationships of sex, level of lesion, and transition outcomes among young adults with myelomeningocele

Aim  To advance understanding of the interrelationships of sex, level of lesion (LOL), self‐management, community integration (employment, independent living), and quality of life (QOL) in young adults with myelomeningocele.

Psychometric testing of the Inner Strength Questionnaire: women living with chronic health conditions

The purpose of this article is to report the third phase of psychometric testing on the Inner Strength Questionnaire. The instrument is a comprehensive gender-specific measure of inner strength in women living with chronic health conditions. The study sample was composed of 281 women with self-reported chronic health conditions. The four-factor structure was supported with a total of 27 items with loadings 0.50 or greater. The reliability for the entire instrument (Version 4) was .91. The instrument takes approximately 10-12 minutes to complete and is at the Flesch-Kincaide reading level of fourth grade. Results can be used to plan or test interventions used to enhance strength-building health outcomes in women.

The Role of Inner Strength in Quality of Life and Self-Management in Women Survivors of Cancer

The role of inner strength in quality of life (QOL) and self-management, primary variables in the Theory of Inner Strength, were examined with demographic and clinical characteristics in 107 women with cancer. The strongest predictors of QOL were depressive symptoms, inner strength, and time since diagnosis, respectively, accounting for 82% of the variance in QOL. When depressive symptoms were excluded due to multicollinearity, 64% of variance in QOL was explained by inner strength, time since diagnosis, and comorbidities, with inner strength the strongest predictor. The strongest predictors of self-management were depressive symptoms and inner strength, accounting for 17% of the variance. Results contribute to theory development and suggest the value of supporting inner strength to enhance QOL in cancer survivors.

Inner Strength in Women Dwelling in the World of Multiple Sclerosis

As a disease, multiple sclerosis has been widely studied; less is known about women’s processes in living with chronic conditions as part of their health. Experiences of women with multiple sclerosis were analyzed using interpretive phenomenology (M. Heidegger, 1927/1962). The data were classifiable into concepts of the theory of inner strength in women (G. Roux, C. Dingley, & H. Bush, 2002). One new theme was revealed, expanding understanding of inner strength in women with a visible chronic condition. Results were consistent with the theory that disease is evidence of the evolving patterns of the whole person in interaction with the environment (M. Newman, 1994).

Eating, activity, and supportive environment (EASE) for nursing students.

PURPOSE The feasibility study was designed as a potential model for prevention of obesity at a large college of nursing in the Southwest. CONCLUSIONS Pretest median body mass index was 30.4 in the intervention group and 30.5 in the control group, indicating obesity in the student sample. There were no significant changes in posttest measures in the small sample. The thigh circumference change in the experimental group trended toward change with significance of .06. IMPLICATION The American Nursing Association launched a Healthy Nurse program in 2012, as healthy nurses are role models for a healthy nation. Updating nursing curriculum and active participation of students in weight management programs will promote their own health and positive role modeling.

Midwestern Farm Widows: Adaptation Following Spousal Loss

The purpose of this descriptive study was to co-create oral histories of Midwestern farm widows. Rural widows constitute a vulnerable population due to issues of bereavement and depression compounded by emotional and geographical isolation. A farm widow is often forced to maintain viability of the farm for the family’s livelihood. Oral history interviews with nine Midwest farm widows were conducted and analyzed. Three overarching themes emerged: competence, industriousness, and inner strength. Women shared stories of overcoming insurmountable obstacles. This study contributes to the literature on grief and expanding inner strength among rural widows. Further research could inform theory related to inner strength following a challenging life event.

Inner Strength—State of the Science

The phenomenon of inner strength has been investigated since 1990. Foundations for inner strength have been developed using inductive designs that have led to a middle-range theory of inner strength and a conceptual model. Two instruments have been developed to measure and test inner strength and have been predominantly used in samples of women and the elderly. This paper will trace the development of inner strength knowledge from two distinct paradigms in North America and Northern Europe. Empirical testing is described. Gaps in the current state of knowledge of inner strength are identified as well as implications for future research.

Barriers to Self-Management in Depressed Women With Type 2 Diabetes:

Purpose To describe the impact of family functioning on the self-management of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and depression in a subsample of women who completed a randomized clinical trial using vitamin D3 (5000 or 50,000 IUs weekly) for depression treatment. Background Women are at higher risk for increased severity of T2DM when experiencing depression. Methods Narrative inquiry was used. A semi-structured interview was conducted to understand helpful strategies and barriers in managing T2DM and depression. In addition, women were asked their meaning of family quality of life (FQOL). Results Twenty-one women participated after completion of the six-month final visit in the randomized clinical trial. The mean age was 55.2 years. Participants were 24% Hispanic, 48% African-American, and 52% Caucasian. The major themes generated related to family issues that impacted their self-management, yet participants did not want to “bring fault” to their families. Three themes emerged: (a) experience of family hardships—“it’s been hard for me,” (b) lack of disclosure to family about being depressed—“no point in talking to them,” and (c) the need for connectedness with family and others—“the way it used to be… close as a family.” Conclusion Family-centered approaches could address barriers to self-management. A “family lens” for practice and research may improve health outcomes.