Dimensional analysis of sense of coherence using structural equation modelling

Abstract

The sense of coherence (SOC) concept has been criticized on conceptual and psychometric grounds. The aim of this study was to develop the concept using structural equation modelling. The short 13-item version of the SOC questionnaire was used and data were collected from two dierent samples. Each sample consisted of about 2000 individuals, selected to be representative of the Swedish population. A model with a general factor and two subordinate speci®c factors yielded a satisfactory solution in both samples. The two factors were labelled Social Comprehension and Commitment and Unpleasant Emotions and Inner Tension respectively. It was concluded that the 13-item SOC scale could to a certain degree be regarded as a measure of negative aectivity and that the suggested model makes the SOC concept more theoretically coherent.

The Greek Version of the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29): Psychometric Properties and Associations with Mental Illness, Suicidal Risk and Quality of Life

“…Some studies confirmed the one factor solution proposed by Antonofski [30,31], while others, similar to our findings, failed to support the one factor solution [32,33]. A two [34], three [35] and five [36] factor solutions have been also proposed, but failed to actually support the theoretical construction principles which suggest three sub-dimensions, namely manageability, meaningfulness and comprehensibility.…”

Sense of coherence: big five correlates, spirituality, and incremental validity

“…In an extensive systematic review of the SOC scale Eriksson & Lindström (2005) stated that the factorial structure of the scale as it relates to the theoretical dimensions of comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness is not clear. Factor analysis has confirmed the one factor solution proposed by Antonovsky in four published studies (Büchi et al, 1998;Flannery et al, 1994;Frenz, Carey & Jorgensen, 1993;Gana, 2001), while in an equal number of studies, analyses have failed to confirm a unidimensional scale (Dudek & Makowska, 1993;Fiorentino, 1998;Germano, Misajon & Cummins, 2001;Larsson & Kallenberg, 1999).…”

The Sense of Coherence and Its Measurement

“…This reflects the reality that in many health survey applications, questionnaires must be very short. More directly, the SOC-29 and SOC-13 have been criticized on the basis of supposed shortcomings in the instruments' psychometric properties (Korotkov, 1993;Larsson & Kallenberg, 1999;Schnyder, Büchi, Sensky, & Klaghofer, 2000). It is asserted also that the sense of coherence concept does not deal adequately with emotional aspects of life experience (Flannery & Flannery, 1990;Flensborg-Madsen, Ventegodt, & Merrick, 2006c;Korotkov, 1993;Korotkov & Hannah, 1994).…”