The structure and properties of the sense of coherence scale

https://doi.org/10.1016/0277-9536(93)90033-ZGet rights and content

Abstract

Previous work of the author presents a salutogenic theoretical model designed to explain maintenance or improvement of location on a health ease/dis-ease continuum. The model's core construct, the Sense of Coherence (SOC), was consciously formulated in terms which are thought to be applicable crossculturally. The SOC scale which operationalizes the construct is a 29-item semantic differential questionnaire, its design guided by Guttman's facet theory. A 13-item version of the scale has also been used. The purpose of the present paper is to present the extant evidence from studies conducted in 20 countries for the feasibility, reliability and validity of the scale, as well as normative data.

In 26 studies using SOC-29 the Cronbach alpha measure of internal consistency has ranged from 0.82 to 0.95. The alphas of 16 studies using SOC-13 range from 0.74 to 0.91. The relatively few test-retest correlations show considerable stability, e.g. 0.54 over a 2-year period among retirees.

The systematic procedure used in scale construction and examination of the final product by many colleagues points to a high level of content, face and consensual validity. The few data sets available point to a high level of construct validity.

Criterion validity is examined by presenting correlational data between the SOC and measures in four domains: a global orientation to oneself and one's environment (19 r's); stressors (11 r's); health, illness and wellbeing (32 r's); attitudes and behavior (5 r's). The great majority of correlations are statistically significant. All available published normative data on SOC-29 and SOC-13 are presented, data which bear upon validity using the known groups technique. Finally, the factor structure of the scale is considered, pointing to one clear dominant factor.

References (52)

  • A. Antonovsky

    The sense of coherence: Development of a research instrument

  • A. Antonovsky et al.

    Attitudes toward retirement in an Israeli cohort

    Int. J. Aging Hum. Dev.

    (1990)
  • A. Antonovsky et al.

    Family sense of coherence and family adaption

    J. Marr. Fam.

    (1988)
  • H. Antonovsky et al.

    The development of a sense of coherence and its impact on responses to stress situations

    J. Soc. Psychol.

    (1986)
  • H. Antonovsky et al.

    Patterns of drinking in a small development town in Israel

    Br. J. Addict.

    (1987)
  • J. Bernstein et al.

    Trait anxiety and the sense of coherence

    Psychol. Rep.

    (1987)
  • J. Bernstein et al.

    Gender differences over time in medical school stressors, anxiety and the sense of coherence

    Sex Roles

    (1991)
  • G.L. Bowen

    Family Adaptation to Relocation: An Empirical Analysis of Family Stressors, Adaptive Resources, and Sense of Coherence

  • S. Carmel et al.

    Trait anxiety and sense of coherence: A longitudinal study

    Psychol. Rep.

    (1989)
  • S. Carmel et al.

    Trait anxiety, sense of coherence and medical school stressors: Observations at three stages

    Anxiety Res.

    (1990)
    R.M. Coe et al.

    Correlates of a measure of coping in older veterans: A preliminary report

    J. Comm. Hlth

    (1990)
  • L. Dahlin et al.

    Childhood vulnerability and adult invincibility

    Acta Scand. Psychiat.

    (1990)
  • L.M. Fiorentino

    Stress: The high cost to industry

    Occ. Hlth Nurs.

    (1986)
  • K.E. Hart et al.

    Sense of coherence, trait anxiety and the perceived availability of social support

    J. Res. Pers.

    (1991)
  • R. Kalimo et al.

    Work factors and health: The predictive role of pre-employment experiences

    J. Occ. Psychol.

    (1991)
  • J.I. Krivolahvy

    Sense of coherence: Methods and first results. II. Sense of coherence and cancer

    Cesko. Psych. (Czech)

    (1990)
  • Cited by (2452)

    View all citing articles on Scopus
    View full text