Validation of the factor structure and psychometric characteristics of the Arabic adaptation of the sense of coherence SOC-13 scale: a confirmatory factor analysis

Abstract

Background The sense of coherence is as focused on one’s awareness of the level of pervasive, enduring, and dynamic feelings. Stronger sense of coherence leads to better physical and mental health and promotes recovery from life stressors. Sense of coherence-13 (SOC-13) is a 13-item valid and reliable measure for individual’s healthy living. However, the factor structure of SOC-13 was criticized in several cultures and languages. The current study was set to explore the factor structure of an Arabic adaptation for SOC-13. Methods This cross-sectional study of the SOC-13 included (n = 1235) Arabic speaking individuals. We used confirmatory factor analysis to contrast unidimensional, bidimensional, three-dimensional, and four-dimensional factor structure for the SOC-13. We carried out measurement invariance analysis across age and gender groups to examine the stability of fit indices among participants’ subgroups. Results We found the reliability coefficient to be 0.82, indicative of good internal consistency. The three-factor structure, after modification of items 1, 2, and 3 was the best-fitting factor model. However, measurement invariance was indicative of discrepancy for the three-factor model between genders and age classes. The mean overall SOC-13 total score in our sample was 52.1 (SD = 16.1). Conclusions The SOC-13 showed acceptable psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency and a modified three-factor structure in its Arabic version. However, the reliability of the three underlying dimensions was sub-optimum. Moreover, the three-factor structure requires modification by either removing the first three problematic items or allowing the residuals to correlate.

Association of Maternal Sense of Coherence With Oral Health Behavior of Children With Special Health Care Needs: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…However, certain studies, such as Rajesh et al [19] and Tang and Dixon et al [20], have reported a higher inter-item correlation for the scale when subjected to their respective populations. The first item under meaningfulness (M1) has consistently been reported to have a poor correlation with the whole construct, as reported in studies by Alharbi et al [15] and Lerdal et al [21]. This finding is in line with our observations in the study.…”

“…This study adopted the SOC-13 scale not only for convenience but also since the scale has been reliable when tested in various populations (α = 0.70 to 0.92) [16]. Our study did observe a good reliability score (Cronbach's α value = 0.77), which is consistent with most studies as well as with the two other studies done in the region [14,15].…”

“…The study attempted to satisfactorily translate the SOC scale into Arabic when this research was proposed for ethical approval. There were known studies done on this topic in this region; subsequently, two studies have come to light: one Arabic SOC-13 scale validated and studied in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) population [14], and subsequently, the same scale was used for validation in this region (Saudi Arabia) [15]. However, there are no reported studies that have developed (translated), applied, and validated the scale specific to this population.…”

Is Less More? Reevaluating the Psychometric Properties of the Sense of Coherence-13 and a Revised Seven-Item Version in South Africa Using Classical Theory and Item Response Theory

“…CFA fit indices indicated that a one-factor structure, a bifactor structure and a correlated three-factor structure fit the data to an acceptable degree but that the one-factor model had the best fit. This aligns with Antonovsky's original conceptualization of SOC as a unidimensional construct [1] but contrasts with some prior studies that have supported a three-factor structure [10,11]. These disparate findings in the literature may be attributed to population differences or methodological variations, and the present study contributes additional insights into the factor structure of the scale.…”

“…The confirmation of three-factor structure also required correlation of the residuals of two-item pairs (Item 2 and Item 4). A validation study of an Arabic adaptation of the SOC-13 [11] stated that removal of the three reversely phrased items in the scale significantly enhanced its three-factor structure. Saravia and colleagues [12] found that the three-factor solution was a better fit than the one-factor solution in a Peruvian sample.…”