Evaluation of the revised sense of coherence scale in a representative German sample.

Myriam V Thoma,Shauna L Mc Gee,Heide Glaesmer,Elmar Brähler,Andreas Maercker,Jörg M Fegert,Goran Knezevic

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0209550

Abstract

Background and objectivesTo evaluate the Revised Sense of Coherence (SOC-R) scale in a large representative German sample.DesignA nationwide household survey involving a total of 2510 face-to-face interviews.MethodsIn addition to the SOC-R, childhood trauma and maltreatment (CTM), lifetime traumatic events (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, CTQ, and the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5, LEC-5), and mental health (Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-4) were assessed.ResultsThe final sample consisted of N = 2373 participants (52.3% females; M = 48.24 years). Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed a three-factor structure for the SOC-R (‘manageability’, ‘balance’, ‘reflection’) with acceptable indices (RMSEA .066; 90% CI [.062, .071]). Reliability analyses revealed good internal consistency (α = .87). Construct validity was supported by significant but low correlations with psychopathology. Gender marginally influenced SOC-R (t = 1.99, p = .05). Moderation analyses revealed that SOC-R exerted a protective impact on depression in the context of CTQ (t = 2.29, p < .05) and lifetime traumatic events (t = –2.37, p < .05).ConclusionsThis study supports the psychometric properties of the SOC-R and emphasizes the importance of considering salutogenic effects to better understand interindividual differences in the effect of adversity.

Highlights

Given the fact that the experience of adversities is an inevitable aspect of human life, it is crucial to understand why individuals differ in their responses to adversity
Moderation analyses revealed that Sense of Coherence (SOC-R) exerted a protective impact on depression in the context of CTQ (t = 2.29, p < .05) and lifetime traumatic events (t = –2.37, p < .05)
This study supports the psychometric properties of the Sense of Coherence (SOC)-R and emphasizes the importance of considering salutogenic effects to better understand interindividual differences in the effect of adversity

Summary

Introduction

Given the fact that the experience of adversities is an inevitable aspect of human life, it is crucial to understand why individuals differ in their responses to adversity. While some studies have found the SOC instrument to be a reliable and valid measure for assessing sense of coherence [6], other studies have criticized its psychometric properties and measurement [7]. This criticism has involved its factorial structure [8, 9], external validity [10, 11], stability [12, 13], as well as its utility [14]. To evaluate the Revised Sense of Coherence (SOC-R) scale in a large representative German sample

Methods

Results

Conclusion