Relationship between sense of coherence and subjective reports of health in elders

• Main Author: Arnold, Anne M.
• Other Authors: Ball State University. Institute for Wellness.
• Format: Others
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Stress in old age.; Adjustment (Psychology) in old age.; Older people > Health and hygiene.
• Online Access: http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/handle/184743; http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/879849

This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between Sense of Coherence (SOC) and subjective report of health in elders. A systematic sample of 400 retirees from Ball State University faculty and staff was used in this study. The participants completed the information sheet and two questionnaires: Orientation to Life and Perceived Health. All data from the 198 responses were entered into the database for statistical analysis, although 169 (85%) had complete sets of data. Pearson r correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between SOC and subjective reports of health. The result revealed a statistically significant relationship between the two variables. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and univariate analysis of variance were used to examine the relationship between SOC and subjective reports of health and other variables such as sex, education level, retirement status, and social support. Results indicate a significant relationship between sex, education level, SOC and subjective report of health. Retirement status and social support did not prove significant. A post hoc analysis of variance revealed a statistically significant relationship between SOC and education. This study has implications for worksite health promotion programs which address more than the physical dimension of wellness. Further march is recommended. === Institute for Wellness