Inner Strength—A Systematic Review of Qualitative Empirical Studies

Aim This review focuses on the use of the term inner strength (IS) in empirical studies in a health care context. Method After database searches during the period 1990–2024, 64 articles were selected for summative content analysis. Result The findings were divided into three groups: Group 1, studies where IS was stated in the aim; Group 2, where IS was not stated in the aim but described as a concept; and Group 3, where IS was used as a lay term. All articles in Group 1 described IS as ‘ A connectedness grown in relationship ’; several articles described it as ‘ An internal powerful resource ’, ‘ A process of growth and transition ’ and as ‘ A positive view of life ’. These four themes were also found in Group 2, but in this group, IS was also used to describe ‘ A characteristic of self ’ and ‘ A courage to stand up for oneself ’. The articles in Group 1 and Group 2 seemed to use IS as a cluster concept, that is, various descriptions might be aspects of a common phenomenon. In Group 3, IS was used as a lay term without further reflection on the meaning of the term. Conclusion The use of the term IS indicates that it is a cluster concept involving several aspects. Overall it is described as an important inner resource grown in connectedness with others and developed throughout life in a life worth living.