[Sense of coherence - revised as a metacognitive ability: Evidence from a Swiss study of older trauma survivors]

Theoretical developments have introduced the revised Sense of Coherence (SOC-R) as a resilience factor, which encompasses the dimensions of coping ability, balance, and reflection. It is tentatively hypothesized that these dimensions are aligned with metacognitive processes relevant to adaptation to adversity. Despite growing interest in SOC-R as a resilience factor, its potential conceptualization as a metacognitive ability remains under-researched. This study addresses this gap by examining the structural stability of SOC-R and evaluating both distal and proximal predictors.

The data come from a longitudinal study examining the associations between childhood trauma and coercive measures with the mental health of older survivors and age-matched controls, with achievement motivation included as a predictor. This study examined the structural stability of the SOC-R and psychological precursors in a trauma-exposed sample using structural equation modeling (SEM).

The total SOC-R score showed moderate stability over a 21-month period, with coping and reflection exhibiting good stability and balance showing borderline stability. The SEM results showed that achievement motivation significantly predicted coping ability (β=.35) and reflection (β=.29) beyond the severity of trauma-related PTSD (β=-.29). Coping ability was positively predicted by meaning in life (β=0.26) and posttraumatic growth (β=0.23) and negatively predicted by perceived stress (β=-0.11). Equanimity was predicted by posttraumatic growth (β=0.31) and positive reappraisal (β=0.36). Reflection was predicted by active coping (β=0.32), positive reappraisal (β=0.29), and meaning in life (β=.20).

The SOC-R dimensions are sufficiently stable. The study showed that, in addition to known determinants of the sense of coherence, performance motivation also plays an important role. This points to the relevance of SOC-R as a potential metacognitive trait and metacognitive therapeutic approaches in trauma treatment. Keywords: Revised Sense of Coherence; SOC-R; metacognition, resilience, childhood trauma.