Sense of coherence can predict hope in older adults: a cross-lagged analysis

This study examined the relationship between sense of coherence (SOC) and hope in older adults from a longitudinal perspective.

271 older adults completed self-reported questionnaires assessing hope and SOC at 3 time points: at intake, at a 6-month follow-up, and at a 12-month follow-up. A cross-lagged panel model was used to examine the relationship between SOC and hope.

The results showed that SOC was significantly associated with the level of hope in the older adults at all three time points. The cross-lagged analysis showed that the lagged effect of SOC on hope was significant, whereas the lagged effect of the level of hope on SOC was nonsignificant.

These results indicated that SOC predicted the level of hope 6 months later and may be helpful for guiding older adults to increase their hope for the future through strategies aimed at improving their SOC.