Evaluation of the revised Sense of Coherence scale in a sample of older adults: A means to assess resilience aspects

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The present study evaluated the revised Sense of Coherence (SOC-R) scale in a sample of older adults, using an extended range of psychological concepts. It further examined the psychometric properties of the revised scale and tested the theoretical assumptions underpinning the SOC-R concept.

Method: The SOC-R scale was evaluated in 268 Swiss older adults (mean age = 66.9 years), including n = 15 heavily traumatized former indentured child labourers. Standardised questionnaires collected information on positive and negative life experiences, resources, current health, and well-being. 

Results: Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated good model fit for a second-order three-factor model of SOC-R with the factors manageability, balance, and reflection. Satisfactory convergent and discriminant correlations were shown with related psychological concepts, including neuroticism (r = −.32, p < .01), optimism (r = .31, p < .01), and general self-efficacy (r = .49, p < .01). SOC-R was not observed to differ by age group. Moderation analyses indicated that SOC-R moderated the relationship between certain early-life adversities and mental health.

Conclusion: The study provides support for the psychometric properties and theoretical assumptions of SOC-R and suggests that SOC-R is a valid and reliable measure suitable for use with older adults. Future studies should employ longitudinal designs to examine the stability of SOC-R.

KEYWORDS:

• Sense of Coherence scale-revised
• psychometrics
• mental health
• ageing
• adversity

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank the Jacobs Foundation which supported this research.

Disclosure of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship [grant number ESKAS-Nr. 2016.0109] which funded SLMG's position.