Sense of coherence (SOC), personality, and mental health

Abstract

This research is concerned with the relationships among SOC, personality, and mental health. In previous research it has been indicated that a strong SOC is negatively correlated with physical illness, depression, anxiety, and stress, and positively correlated with indicators of psychological well-being. It also emerged from the literature that aspects of personality functioning are linked to mental health. As both SOC and aspects of personality have been associated with mental health, it was hypothesised that SOC and personality could be related, even though Antonovsky (1987, 1993) emphasised the differences between SOC and personality. In an empirical study the relationships among indicators of the constructs SOC, positive and negative mental health, and personality were investigated. Instruments measuring (Sense of coherence scale, Satisfaction With Life Scale, Symptom checklist- 90, NEO Personality Inventory - Revised) the above constructs were applied to a group of 30 psychiatric patients as well as a group of 30 non-patients. Descriptive data was obtained for all measuring instruments. Relationships among the variables were determined as well as differences between the patient (P) and non-patient (N) groups.

The results supported the hypothesis of significant relationships between SOC and satisfaction with life (positive correlation), SOC and S)'!ll.]2tomatology of

psychopathology (negative correlation); between aspects of personality functioning and aspects of positive and negative mental health, and between SOC and aspects of personality functioning. Significant differences were found on all measuring instruments (as expected) when applied to the contrast groups of patients and non-patients. The implications of these findings are discussed.