The hardiness characteristic: a motivating factor in adaptation.

This article describes the conceptual development and measurement of hardiness as a motivating factor in adaptation. The health-related hardiness concept is further refined to include theoretical and operational indicators that can be used to investigate the effect of hardiness on adaptation to actual and potential health problems. Empirical support is presented for both the direct and indirect effects of hardiness. A valid and reliable instrument has been developed for health-related research with both well and ill populations. Implications for theory and research are discussed with emphasis on contributing to the knowledge base of nursing and developing interventions in practice.