Increase In Sense Of Coherence Research Articles

Salutogenesis as a Mediator in Decreased Criminal Thinking: An Evaluation of Cognitive Programs for Juvenile and Adult Offenders

ABSTRACT This study is based on two previous studies that showed a post-treatment decrease in total criminal thinking (PICTS) and an increase in total sense of coherence (SOC) among youths and adults. The current study investigated whether these interventions changed the sub-scales of PICTS and SOC, and whether an increase in SOC would mediate a decrease in PICTS. Among both groups, the mean value of the sub-factors of PICTS decreased by the interventions, and increased for SOC sub-factors meaningfulness and manageability. Only among the adults, the increase in total sense of coherence and the sub-factor of manageability mediated the decrease of criminal thinking.

Vocational training of health mediators of primary care teams improves their sense of coherence

Abstract Background A Primary Care Model Programme had been implemented in Hungary between 2013-2017 in which group practices were established that employed - among others - nonprofessional health workers (health mediators, similar to community health workers) to facilitate access for the most disadvantaged population groups. The health of mediators, themselves mostly disadvantaged ethnic Roma, was monitored every odd year of the Programme. Methods A repeated cross-sectional health interview survey had been implemented inviting all health mediators who were employed at the time of the survey. The same questionnaire was used in all 3 surveys with items from the European Health Interview Survey 2009 and validated versions of other scales. Results Positive changes occurred in the health status of mediators during 5 years of follow-up. Significant improvement in mental health occurred among those who completed on-the-job vocational training. By 2017, significant increase in sense of coherence was observed among those who obtained vocational qualification as opposed to those who did not. The proportion of highly stressed mediators showed a significant increase among those with no vocational training. Improvement was detected in all mediators in health awareness, dysfunctional attitudes, psychological stress and smoking prevalence. Conclusions Significant improvement in mental status among those who obtained on-the-job vocational qualification were observed during follow-up of ethnic Roma health mediators in the programme in which they were equal members of the primary health care team. Employment of health mediators in primary care teams not only contributed to improving access to care for disadvantaged groups but also improved the mental health of mediators themselves. Key messages • Nonprofessional health mediators are important members of primary care teams servicing disadvantaged populations. • Significant improvement in mental status during 5 years of follow-up occurred among Roma health mediators who received vocational training and were equal members of primary health care teams.

Successful outcomes with low–threshold intervention for cannabis use disorders in Norway - an observational study

Cannabis is the most commonly used regulated drug by European youths. Yet, few cannabis-specific interventions have been examined in Europe. The Cannabis Cessation Program (CCP) was developed in Sweden in the 1990s and has been implemented in some Norwegian municipalities. The present study aimed to examine outcomes of this intervention in the Norwegian setting. The respondents (N = 102) were recruited in four community-based CCPs in Norway. We examined their changes in cannabis use, other substance use, mental distress, well-being, sense of coherence (SoC), and social networks, from baseline (T0) to post-treatment (T1) and up to a 3-month follow-up period (T2). Changes were evaluated with pair-wise t-tests. Seventy-six participants (75%) completed the 8-week program, according to plan. All participants reported a significant reduction in cannabis use at T1 (average reduction ~16 days per month) and at T2 (N = 59; ~13 days per month). Among those that completed the program, 67% was abstinent from cannabis at T1 and 37% was abstinent at T2. An intention-to-treat analysis showed that 50% (51/102) and 22% (22/102) were abstinent from cannabis use at T1 and T2, respectively. In parallel to abstinence, we observed a substantial reduction in mental distress and an increase in well-being and SoC. Respondents socialized with fewer friends with current substance use, but drug-free social networks were not expanded. Our findings suggested that the CCP was a valuable, low-threshold manual-based intervention for cannabis use disorders. It showed considerable potential for reducing individuals' cannabis use. Clinicaltrials.gov no. NCT04989205. Registered 12 July 2021, i.e., the study was retrospectively registered.

On-the-job vocational training of nonprofessional ethnic health workers of a primary health care team improves their sense of coherence

Objectives A Primary Care Model Programme had been implemented in Hungary between 2013 and 2017 in which group practices were established that employed—among others—nonprofessional health workers (health mediators, similar to community health workers) to facilitate access for the most disadvantaged population groups. The health of mediators, themselves mostly disadvantaged ethnic Roma, was monitored every odd year of the Programme.Methods A repeated cross-sectional health interview survey had been implemented inviting all health mediators who were employed at the time of the survey. The same questionnaire was used in all 3 surveys with items from the European Health Interview Survey 2009 and validated versions of other scales.ResultsPositive changes occurred in the health status of mediators during 5 years of follow-up. Significant improvement in mental health occurred among those who completed on-the-job vocational training. By 2017, significant increase in sense of coherence was observed among those who obtained vocational qualification as opposed to those who did not. The proportion of highly stressed mediators showed a significant increase among those with no vocational training. Improvement was detected in all mediators in health awareness, dysfunctional attitudes, psychological stress and smoking prevalence. Conclusions Significant improvement in mental status among those who obtained on-the-job vocational qualification were observed during follow-up of ethnic Roma health mediators in the programme in which they were equal members of the primary health care team. Employment of health mediators in primary care teams not only contributed to improving access to care for disadvantaged groups, but also improved the mental health of mediators themselves.

Relationship between Sense of Coherence and Procrastination among a Group of Undergraduate Dental Students in Chennai City - An Observational Study

Background: Procrastination is considered problematic when it affects normal day-to-day functioning. It can serve as a deterrent among undergraduate dental students both for their academic and career growth. Behaviour modifications are required to change this negative behaviour and Sense of Coherence is one such approach. Aim: To assess the relationship between Sense of Coherence and Procrastination among a group of undergraduate dental students in Chennai city. Material and Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 358 undergraduate dental students. Thirteen item Sense of Coherence scale and Lay’s Procrastination scale were used to collect data about Sense of Coherence and Procrastination among undergraduate dental students respectively, using google forms. One-way ANOVA and Independent T test were used to test for difference in mean scores between groups based on year of study and gender, respectively. Pearsons correlation coefficient followed by Simple Linear Regression was performed to test for association between Sense of Coherence and Procrastination. Results: The overall mean Sense of Coherence score of the study participants was 49.52 ± 8.13. The overall mean Procrastination score of the study participants was 56.58 ± 10.02. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient revealed a negative correlation (r = -.255) between Sense of Coherence and Procrastination (p = .000) indicating that with an increase in Sense of Coherence, Procrastination decreases. In tandem, the third year students with lowest Sense of Coherence score showed highest procrastination. Conclusion: Procrastination is negatively associated with Sense of Coherence and hence behaviour modification interventions based on Sense of Coherence are required, to be customized and incorporated in dental curriculum to reduce procrastination among undergraduate dental students.

Sense of coherence predicts adolescent mental health

BackgroundStrong sense of coherence (SOC) has been shown to predict good mental health among adults whereas its predictive value in adolescence is unclear. This life-course oriented prospective study explores whether SOC predicts mental health in a three-year follow-up. MethodsThe data is part of the ongoing ‘Finnish Family Competence Study’ launched in 1986 in southwestern Finland (baseline n = 1287). The outcome variable was adolescent's mental health at 18 years of age, measured on the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) scale. The main predictor was Antonovsky's SOC score (1987) measured at the age of 15. A total of 498 adolescents were included in the present analyses. Poisson regression was used by univariate and multivariable models using the parents’ age and socioeconomic status and adolescents’ gender as covariates. ResultsMultivariable analysis showed that a one-unit increase in SOC decreased the relative risk of a DAWBA-based diagnosis by 4 % (RR [95% CI] 0.96 [0.94–0.98], p < 0.001). LimitationsTypical of very long follow-up, as in our study of nearly two decades, a substantial proportion of the original population-based cohort was lost to follow-up weakening the representability of our cohort. ConclusionsSense of coherence is a useful and clinically sensitive tool to predict mental health in adolescence. The easily administered, coping-oriented SOC questionnaire is an appropriate instrument in screening for adolescents who would benefit from supportive measures to strengthen their mental well-being.

A Cross-sectional Study on Sense of Coherence and Its Relationship with Caries Experience and Socioeconomic Status in 11-16-year-old Schoolchildren.

AimTo know the association of sense of coherence (SOC), caries experience, and socioeconomic status (SES) in 11–16-year-old schoolchildren.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study included a total of 595 schoolchildren aged 11–16 years, and informed consent was obtained. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected through pro forma filled by the parents. Sense of coherence of children was recorded with SOC-13 item questionnaire given in both English and local language (Telugu). Caries experience was recorded with DMFT index by carrying out the intra-oral examination of children.ResultsIn a total of 595 schoolchildren, 35% children have weak SOC, 34.9% have moderate SOC, and 29.9% have strong SOC. Caries experience was inversely associated with SOC (p value = 0.006) on analysis by ANOVA. On multivariate regression analysis, it was observed that for every one-unit increase in SOC, caries experience decreased by 0.11 unit. However, there was statistically no significant (p value = 0.09) relation between childhood SES and SOC. Age (p value = 0.08) and gender (p value = 0.19) are not associated with SOC.ConclusionSense of coherence influences the caries experience irrespective of socioeconomic status, age, and gender of the child.Clinical significanceChildren having stronger SOC have increased likelihood to seek out preventive dental services, which helps in maintaining good oral health. SOC is structured mainly by the experiences during the early years of life. Therefore, SOC can be strengthened by interventions in the early life through school dental health programs.How to cite this articleMrudhula KJN, Vinay C, Uloopi KS, et al. A Cross-sectional Study on Sense of Coherence and Its Relationship with Caries Experience and Socioeconomic Status in 11–16-year-old Schoolchildren. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(5):493–496.

Sense of coherence is a predictor of survival: A prospective study in women treated for breast cancer.

Sense of coherence (SOC) reflects a person's overall orientation to life. Sense of coherence guides the person in finding and utilizing resources to maintain health and manage stress. Previously, we demonstrated SOC's stability over time among breast cancer (BC) patients, and in the present article, SOC's predictive value for survival is tested. A cohort of 487 women underwent surgery for invasive BC and completed preoperatively the SOC-13 within a multicenter trial. Hazard ratios (HRs) were performed to identify significant independent predictors and their association with increase in SOC. Over a median follow-up time of 10years, patients with a higher SOC had 63% lower risk of BC progression (HR 0.63; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.85, P .03), 80% lower risk of BC mortality (HR 0.80; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.96, P .00), and 80% lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.80; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.93, P .00) than patients with a lower SOC. The mortality risk declined by 2.3% for every 1-unit increase in SOC, both for BC mortality (HR 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96 to 0.99, P .01) and for all-cause mortality (HR 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96 to 0.99, P .00). The risk of progression declined by 1.4% for every 1-unit increase in SOC (HR 0.99; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.00, P .03). This study provides evidence of SOC's predictive value for disease progression and BC-caused and all-cause mortality. Sense of coherence provides a complement when designing individual plans that aims to support patients during their treatment.

The Development of a Sense of Coherence in Family Therapy Trainees in Germany: A Three-Year Investigation

ABSTRACTResearch on family therapy training and sense of coherence is lacking. Sense of coherence has been proposed as a meta-model for salutogenic family therapy. This study aims to explore the development of sense of coherence among systemic family therapist trainees in Germany over a 3-year period. The sample consisted of 66 trainees (1st year) with 55 and 43 respondents in the 2nd and 3rd years, respectively. Biographical and sense of coherence data were analyzed. Findings indicate an increase in total sense of coherence, particularly for meaningfulness. Certain subgroups developed sense of coherence and subscales more so than others. Conclusions are provided and recommendations for family theory and practice given.

Sense of coherence and women׳s birthing outcomes: A longitudinal survey

Backgroundin Western countries, caesarean section rates are increasing at an alarming rate. This trend has implications for women׳s health and calls into question the use of pathogenesis to frame maternity services. The theory of salutogenesis offers an alternative as it focuses on health rather than illness. Sense of coherence (SOC), the cornerstone of salutogenesis, is a predictive indicator of health. This study aimed to explore associations between pregnant women׳s SOC, their birthing outcomes and factors associated with SOC changes. Methodsa longitudinal survey was conducted where women completed a questionnaire in the antenatal and postnatal period. Questionnaire one provided information on SOC scores, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores, Support Behaviour Inventory (SBI) scores, pregnancy choices and demographics. Questionnaire two provided information on SOC scores, EPDS scores and birthing outcomes. Findings1074 women completed questionnaire one and 753 women completed questionnaire two. Compared to women with low antenatal SOC, women with high antenatal SOC were less likely to experience caesarean section (OR 0.437 95% CI 0.209–0.915) and more likely to experience assisted vaginal birth (AVB) (OR 3.108 95% CI 1.557–6.203). Higher birth satisfaction, higher antenatal EPDS scores and lower antenatal SOC were associated with an increase in SOC. Epidural, AVB and decreased birth satisfaction were associated with a decrease in SOC. Conclusionhigh sense of coherence in pregnant women is associated with half the likelihood of caesarean section compared to women with low sense of coherence. Women׳s sense of coherence is raised and lowered by degree of satisfaction with their births and lowered by some labour interventions.

Emotional distress and sense of coherence in women completing a motivational program in five countries. A prospective study.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate changes in, and associations between, sense of coherence (SOC) and emotional distress in women who participated in an accredited motivational program (VINN) in correctional institutions in five countries. A prospective study with a pre- and post-test design included 316 participants from Sweden, Estonia, Denmark, Russia and Norway. Global emotional distress was measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. SOC was measured using the 13-item Orientation to Life Questionnaire. One-way analysis of variance and multilevel regression models were used in the statistical analyses. An increase in SOC was associated with a decrease in emotional distress. Emotional distress decreased significantly -3.80 points (95 percent CI (-4.61, -2.97)), and SOC significantly improved from pre- to post-measurement by 1.82 points (95 percent CI (0.72, 2.92)), regardless of country and correctional institution. Practical implications - The results add new knowledge regarding a coherent theoretical foundation of a motivational program for women. The ability of a program promoting health is important for researchers, health-care workers and facilitators delivering programs for women in correctional facilities. An increase in SOC can act as a protective factor in order to manage stressors and risk factors among women serving in correctional facilities. The present study indicates that enhancing women's coping resources and providing income alternatives to crime is fundamental to their capacity to desist from criminal behavior.

Development of sense of coherence during two group interventions

Burnout is a serious occupational hazard. This study investigated the possibility to develop an effective salutogenic group intervention among employees suffering from severe burnout symptoms. Participants consisted of employees aged 31 to 59 years working in different public service occupations, such as police officers, tax officers, (and other public service officers), and assigned to three different groups: analytic (N = 25), psychodramatic (N = 24) and controls (N = 28). The intervention comprised 16 separate days over a nine-month period. Changes in sense of coherence (SOC) were measured four times with the 13-item Orientation to Life Questionnaire during the intervention and at six-month follow-up, and analyzed by general linear model (GLM) and using Cohen's d to estimate effect sizes. Change in SOC between the three groups was statistically significant (F(4,148) = 2.65, p = 0.036). The psychodrama group showed a higher increase in SOC than the analytic group during the intervention, while the improvement in the analytic group was significant during the six-month follow-up. Total effect size from baseline to follow-up was in the analytic group 0.71, in the psychodrama group 0.47, and in the control group from baseline to end of intervention 0.09. The results show that it is possible to improve SOC by group intervention in the occupational healthcare context. The dialogue-based analytic method and action-based psychodramatic method differ in their specific effects.

Are cognitive–behavioral interventions effective in reducing occupational stress among nurses?

Despite the growing evidence regarding the effectiveness of cognitive–behavioral interventions in reducing occupational stress, very few studies have examined its effectiveness among nurses. This study investigated the impact of a cognitive–behavioral (CB) course on the nurses' well-being. The study compared the sense of coherence (SOC), perceived stress (PSS), and mood states of 20 nurses who had participated in the CB course to that of 16 control participants using a pre–post test design. At baseline (t1), no significant differences were found between the two groups in SOC, PSS, and mood states. The effects within each group controlling for t1 were examined by analysis of covariance. At t2, a significant increase in SOC and the mood state of vigor and a significant decrease in PSS and fatigue were found only among participants in the CB course. The results are discussed in relation to the conceptual framework of stress and coping theory.

Sense of coherence and psychological well-being: improvement with age

BackgroundPsychological well-being is important for individuals, communities and health services throughout the world because of the costs associated with psychological ill-health and the loss of quality of life for those...

Gender Differences in Sense of Coherence, Perceived Social Support, and Negative Emotions Among Drug-Abstinent Israeli Inmates

This study examines gender differences in the sense of coherence, perceived social support, and negative emotions among drug-abstinent Israeli inmates. One hundred nineteen inmates have participated in this study (65 men and 54 women). The findings indicate that among female inmates, abstinence of more than a year is related to a decrease in sense of coherence and to an increase in their perceived friend support. In contrast, among male inmates, abstinence of more than a year is related to an increase in sense of coherence and no change at all in their perceived friend support. In addition, hostility level is lower and sense of coherence is higher when the length of abstinence exceeds a year among male inmates. In contrast, among female inmates hostility level is higher when the sense of coherence is lower, without any connection to the length of abstinence. The implications of these findings to treatment intervention are discussed.

The Design and Evaluation of a Hope Enhancement Programme for Adults

The study evaluated the effectiveness of a hope enhancement programme for a group of adults and its impact on general psychological well-being. The intervention programme focused on participants' abilities to set feasible goals, planning ways to reach those goals (pathways) and increase determination and motivation (agency) to reach these goals. The workshop-format programme, consisted of six two-hour sessions conducted over five days. A pre and post-test design included an experimental group (n = 8), control group (n = 8) and ‘chat group’ (n = 8). Findings indicated that the programme increased hope levels of the experimental group as indicated by the Hope Scale and the Hopefulness Subscale of the Hunter Opinions and Personal Expectations Scale. Well-being also improved as indicated by a significant increase in sense of coherence along with a positive change in satisfaction with life. Recommendations for future research were made.

Does childbirth after fertility treatment influence sense of coherence? A longitudinal study of 1,934 men and women

Infertility is a severe, stressful experience. Sense of coherence (SOC) is an individual attribute which reflects the ability to resist severe strain. According to Antonovsky, SOC is stable throughout adulthood, but there is little empirical evidence to support this. In a prospective study, we focused on 2 research questions: (i) Does childbirth after assisted reproductive technology (ART) result in high SOC? (ii) Does the level of SOC at baseline influence the association between childbirth after ART and SOC at 1-year follow-up? The study included a consecutive sample of patients in ART from a prospective, longitudinal survey in Denmark; baseline response rate 80.0%, 1-year follow-up 87.7% (n=1,934). The dependent variable was SOC at 1-year follow-up measured by Setterlind's 9-item scale. The independent variable was having achieved childbirth after ART. Data were analysed by logistic regression analysis adjusted for baseline SOC. Having achieved childbirth after ART was associated with higher SOC at 1-year follow-up (women OR=1.81,95% CI: 1.202.74; men OR=1.27, 95% CI: 0.881 − 86). Unexpectedly, the association between achieving childbirth after ART and high SOC at 1-year follow-up was significant among women who had low SOC at baseline. There was no association among participants with high SOC at baseline. The study indicated that SOC is not necessarily stable throughout adulthood, since a successful outcome of ART among women was associated with a significant increase in SOC.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Sense of Coherence Among Women With Fibromyalgia

Sense of Coherence (SOC) is conceptualized as a disposition to experience life as meaningful and manageable. Research suggests a protective effect of SOC on psychological health in stressful circumstances. This study assessed the capacity of SOC to buffer the effect of illness symptoms on psychological distress among patients with fibromyalgia. Self-reported changes in SOC after participation in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program were also examined. Ninety-one women with fibromyalgia provided baseline data pertaining to illness symptoms, perceived stress, and depression prior to participation in a randomized trial of MBSR. SOC and fibromyalgia symptoms were independently related to perceived stress and depression at baseline. SOC was not a statistically significant moderator of symptom effects on psychological distress. In comparison with wait-listed controls, program participants reported a significant increase in SOC after MBSR participation. These results provide the first demonstration from a randomized trial that SOC may be enhanced via intervention.