The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretical model illustrating aging mothers' and daughters' transitions through a health crisis. The investigator, using grounded theory, conducted 27 interviews over a 15-month period with 6 older women who had experienced a hip fracture and their adult daughters. The use of the constant comparative method guided data collection and generation of theory. The theoretical model that emerged from data illustrates five major concepts: Internalizing female lineage, Mastering maturity, Evolving matriarchs, Emerging transformation, and Becoming empowered. The basic social process integrating these five concepts is the Evolution of Female Strength. The model could be used to explicate strengths of aging mothers and their daughters while identifying health care problems that require interventions.
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