Indicators of Sense of Coherence and Alcohol Consumption-Related Problems: The 2000 U.S. National Alcohol Survey

Abstract

This paper assesses the relationship of Sense of Coherence (SOC) and alcohol consumption-related problems in the 2000 U.S. National Alcohol Survey (4,630 current drinkers). Measures include a 3-item SOC scale, a 15-item social consequences scale, and DSM-IV alcohol dependence. Using logistic regression, a strong SOC was significantly related to not reporting either consequences or dependence. Results underscore the importance of using theoretically-based approaches to examine nonproblematic drinking. The development of interventions that could strengthen SOC deserves future research attention. The study's limitations are noted. Funded by a National Alcohol Research Center Grant (AA-05595-16) from the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to the Alcohol Research Group.