Abstract: 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. 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.