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Validating Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence Scale
R B Flannery1, J C Perry, W E Penk
1Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Sense of Coherence (SOC) effectively helps individuals cope with life stresses and psychological distress. SOC scales performed comparably to traditional measures in predicting stress, depression, and anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Stress and Coping Research
Background:
- Aaron Antonovsky's salutogenesis theory posits Sense of Coherence (SOC) as crucial for health.
- Life stressors and psychological distress (e.g., depression, anxiety) significantly impact well-being.
- Traditional predictors of coping include locus of control and social support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically test Antonovsky's predictions regarding Sense of Coherence (SOC).
- To investigate the role of SOC in coping with life stresses and psychological distress.
- To compare the predictive power of SOC scales against traditional measures.
Main Methods:
- Empirical study utilizing Sense of Coherence (SOC) scales.
- Assessment of criterion measures including Life Events stressors, Depression, and Anxiety.
- Comparison of SOC scales with locus of control and social support measures.
Main Results:
- Sense of Coherence (SOC) scales significantly supported Antonovsky's predictions.
- SOC scales explained variance in stressors, depression, and anxiety comparable to traditional predictors.
- SOC demonstrated utility in understanding individual responses to distressing life events.
Conclusions:
- Sense of Coherence (SOC) is a key factor in managing life stressors and psychological distress.
- SOC scales offer valuable insights into personality characteristics influencing reactions to adversity.
- SOC measures provide a useful addition to research on stress, coping, and mental health.