Coping ability and functional status in a Swedish population sample

The paper presents reference values of the questionnaires Sense of Coherence scale (SOC), measuring self-rated prerequisite for coping ability, and Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), measuring self-rated functional status. The sample used is randomly selected from a Swedish urban population consisting of 145 individuals (75 women, 70 men), divided into three age groups, 26-40, 41-55 and 56-70 years. The mean SOC score was 151 (SD 18) and was not related to gender or age. The total SIP score was low (median 0) as expected in a general population. However, again as expected, the results revealed the functional status being worse in the older group of individuals than in the younger ones. The results might give further validity to the test. The SOC scores were significantly correlated to the overall SIP scores and to the subscales of mental and social character and not to those of a physical nature. Thus, the weaker the SOC the worse the functional status. These findings are suggested to give the Sense of Coherence scale a discriminating validity. A single item concerning general health was also rated by the individuals showing the better the general health the stronger the SOC and the less the dysfunction.