The sense of coherence: a tool for evaluating patients with peripheral vestibular disorders

Peripheral vestibular disorders may result in physical as well as psychosocial dysfunction. Such a situation demands a capacity to cope which lately has been discussed as an important factor in the health outcome. Antonovsky has described the concept of sense of coherence (SOC) as such a trait and has developed a questionnaire (the SOC Scale) to measure it. The aim of this study was to describe the patients' self-rated degree of SOC and to set this in relation to their perception of the self-rated quality of life. The results showed that patients with a strong SOC scored statistically less self-rated handicap, less emotional distress, less impact on working capacity and sleep and rest and less psychosocial dysfunction than those with weak SOC scores. It is suggested that the SOC Scale may serve as a tool to identify patients who are at risk of poorer quality of life and in need of supportive care.