Sense of coherence

Abstract

This chapter introduces the concept of sense of coherence which is a core concept in the salutogenic model defined by Aron Antonovsky. The salutogenic model posits that sense of coherence is a global orientation, where life is understood as more or less comprehensible, meaningful, and manageable. A strong sense of coherence helps the individual to mobilize resources to cope with stressors and manage tension successfully with the help of identification and use of generalized and specific resistance resources. Through this mechanism, the sense of coherence helps determine one's movement on the health ease/dis-ease continuum. Antonovsky developed an instrument named Orientation to Life Questionnaire to measure the sense of coherence which exists in two original versions: a 29-item and a 13-item version. This chapter presents the measurement of the sense of coherence and the validity and reliability of the 13-item scale. It gives a brief overview of empirical research of the role of sense of coherence in association with mental health and quality of life and also on sense of coherence in different patient groups including nursing home residents, patients with coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and mental health problems. It also briefly discusses the implications of using salutogenesis in health care services and the importance of implementing this perspective in meeting with different patient groups. The salutogenic approach may promote a healthy orientation toward helping the patient to cope with everyday stressors and integrate the effort regarding how to help the patient manage to live with disease and illness and promote quality of life.