Objective:To analyze the mediating role of self-esteem and control sources in readmission frequency and self-perceived burden of elderly patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:A total of 346 cases of elderly patients with CHF were included, using self-perceived burden scale(SPBS), self-esteem scale(SES) and multidimensional health locus of control scale(MHLC) to investigate.SPSS 20.0 software was employed to coduct Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis and multiple linear stepwise regression to construct the structural equation model.Process 2.13.2 plug-in was used to test the intermediate effect of Bootstrap.AMOS 23.0 was used for structural equation model and path analysis verification.Results:(1) The readmission frequency during the recent years of the elderly patients with CHF was 0-8, and M( P25, P75) was 1(1, 3). The mean score of self-esteem scale was (29.25±3.67), and the score of internal control in psychological control source was (22.67±3.85). The score of influential others was (26.45±3.38). The opportunity score was (19.84±3.82). The mean SPBS score was (22.19±9.49). (2) SPBS total score was significantly negatively correlated with self-esteem ( r=-0.359, P<0.01), positively correlated with opportunity control source ( r=0.169, P<0.01). Self-esteem was positively correlated with internal control( r=0.237, P<0.01), control of influential others( r=0.225, P<0.01). The readmission frequencies of CHF were significantly negatively correlated with self-esteem( r=-0.119, P<0.05) and internal control( r=-0.173, P<0.01), positively correlated with SPBS( r=0.219, P<0.01). (3) Multiple regression and structural equation model results showed that readmission, self-esteem and psychological control sources could account for 18.0% of the total variables of self-perceived burden.The relationship between readmission and self-perceived burden was mediated by self-esteem and locus of control, accounting for 20.00% of the total effect. Conclusion:Self-esteem and control sources are partially mediating the effect between readmission and self-perceived burden.By nursing intervention to improve the self-esteem level, positive coping strategies of internal control of elderly patients with CHF, the burden of self-perception may possibly be alleviated.