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

CHILD abuse; DISCRIMINANT analysis; EXPERIENCE; FACTOR analysis; HEALTH status indicators; MATHEMATICAL models; RESEARCH methodology; MENTAL health; OPTIMISM; PSYCHOMETRICS; QUESTIONNAIRES; RESEARCH evaluation; PSYCHOLOGICAL resilience; SELF-perception; THEORY; WELL-being; RESEARCH methodology evaluation; OLD age

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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