Abstract:
This study undertook to investigate the validity of the Sense of Coherence Scale
(SOC Scale) for use in South Africa. The scale was developed by Antonovsky
(1987) and is widely used in stress and health research. It measures three
components: meaningfulness, comprehensibility, and manageability, which
Antonovsky posited as being central to a person’s sense of coherence (SOC),
which in turn facilitates coping and personal resilience. The current research
utilised two samples, namely a group of disabled individuals and a group of
undergraduate psychology students. It found that while the SOC Scale is indeed a
useful psychometric instrument within a South African context, it would be
advisable to develop a modified version of the scale for local use. Factor analysis
suggested that a three-factor solution is more appropriate than a one-factor
solution, a finding which is congruent with Antonovsky’s theory. Suggestions are
made for modifications to some of the original 29 items, as well as the subscales,
of the SOC Scale.
