The mechanisms behind the formation of a strong Sense of Coherence (SOC): The role of migration and integration

Abstract

Slootjes, J., Keuzenkamp, S. & Saharso, S. (2017). The mechanisms behind the formation of a strong Sense of Coherence (SOC): The role of migration and integration. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 58, 571-580.Considering how much we know about the impact of the Sense of Coherence (SOC) on different health-related outcomes, we know surprisingly little about how a strong SOC actually develops. In this study we examine the mechanisms behind the formation of a strong SOC and study the role of migration, integration and general resistance resources (GRRs) in this process. We held 46 life-story interviews with women of Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese descent. We divided the respondents in a relatively strong and weak SOC group in order to discern patterns of life experiences associated with SOC development. We find that, as Antonovsky predicted, experiencing consistency and load balance are associated with a strong SOC. In opposition to Antonovsky's claims, decision making power is not a necessary condition to develop meaningfulness. Moreover, the women's life narratives show that migration and integration are related to the mechanisms shaping SOC, yet, the impact is subjective and depends on the availability and use of GRRs. Our findings provide improvements to Antonovsky's salutogenic theory and provide suggestions for interventions aimed at strengthening SOC.

Factors associated with the mental health of adolescent university students during COVID-19 quarantine in Japan

“…In fact, we found that the number of social supports was positively correlated with SOC score more strongly in females (r = .256, p < 0.001) than in males (r = .206, p < 0.001). This interpretation re ects ndings from a study of the narratives of migrant women [38], who referred to the important role of social support, which enabled them to subjectively perceive life as more consistent, load balanced, and meaningful, despite facing migration, integration, or other adversities. The association between social support and SOC in female students of the present study may re ect their adjustment to a new life setting.…”

Distribution and evaluation of sense of coherence among older immigrants before and after a health promotion intervention &ndash; results from the RCT study promoting aging migrants&rsquo; capability

“…Thus, when the cultural context changes, for example in connection to migration, the possibilities to experience daily life as comprehensible and manageable may be affected, thus decreasing SOC. 16 Persons who have migrated from one culture to another might experience fewer opportunities to engage in meaningful activities, 17 , 18 which can be compounded by challenges interpreting the signs and symbols embedded in a new cultural context. Difficulties interpreting and understanding the new context may include difficulties in understanding the health care system, thus complicating access to health care services.…”

“…According to Slootjes et al, 16 the migration process can have an impact also on the three components of SOC. Comprehensibility can be influenced by differences in sociocultural norms that make it difficult to understand external expectations from the environment.…”

“…This can affect one’s motivation to act and meet daily challenges. 20 Meaningfulness can also be affected in a migration context when the person is not included in decisions connected to important and meaningful social situations 16 and decisions regarding daily life. This may create a sense of being objectified with no say in certain matters.…”

Temperament and Sense of Coherence: Emotional Intelligence as a Mediator

“…Moreover, SOC is influenced by resistance resources [7], processes of identity development [8], and family background [9]. Yet, very little is known about how and through which mechanisms a high level of SOC is formed [9,10]. In order to increase our understanding about the paths to a high SOC in the stage of adulthood, we focused on exploring the role both of temperament, as it has been confirmed as a potential component in the development of more complex traits that emerge later in life [11], and of emotional intelligence (EI) as it has been found to increase SOC [12].…”