Sense of coherence, well-being, coping and personality factors: further evaluation of the sense of coherence scale

This study explored the construct and incremental validity of the short 13 item version of Antonovsky's sense of coherence scale (SOC-13) using a community-based sample (N = 439). Partial correlation coefficients (controlling for socially desirable responding) were calculated with measures of (1) physical and psychological health (2) personality (self-esteem, optimism, perceived control) and (3) dispositional coping. Sex differences in the strength of these relationships was also explored. The results provide further support for the SOC-13, confirming early theory and research linking sense of coherence with physical and psychological well-being, the use of adaptive coping strategies, and with existing personality measures. Although there were no differences in SOC-13 scores for males and females, some sex differences in the strength of the relationship between SOC-13 and the measures included in this study were observed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.