Are "Sense of Coherence" and "Hope" Related Constructs? Examining These Concepts in Three Cultural Groups in Israel

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between two coping factors which facilitate adoptive adjustment when facing stressful situations. We have examined links between sense of coherence (SOC) and the concept of hope as well as its wish and expectation components and its collective and individual dimensions. We have studied three cultural groups in Israel: secular Jews, religious Jews and Bedouin Arabs.

Data were collected during two military operations (Pillar of Clouds and Protective Edge) from 385 adolescents aged 12-18; 76 secular Jews, 110 religious Jews and 199 Bedouin Arabs. Adolescents filled out selfreported questionnaires which were comprised of items determining demographics, sense of coherence and hope.

Results show that while religious Jews reported the strongest SOC, Bedouin Arabs reported the strongest hope. As for the links, major differences were revealed between the Jewish groups and the Bedouin Arab group. In both Jewish groups significant correlations were found between the expectation component and/or the global hope and SOC; however, no links were found between the global hope or its components or dimensions and SOC among the Bedouin Arab group.

Overall, in spite of some overlap between these concepts in the Jewish groups it seems that SOC and hope have their own unique characteristics and, thus, stand as separate resources when facing stress situation. The discussion highlights cultural differences and similarities among these groups with regard to the main concepts of this article. Finally, some psychoeducational suggestions are offered, focusing on cultural sensitivity.