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Zukerman G, Antonovsky A, Shapiro E, Korn L. Sense of coherence and its components under COVID-19: relative associations with personality and psychosocial variables. Glob Health Promot 2024:17579759241248168. [PMID: 38822633 DOI: 10.1177/17579759241248168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Sense of Coherence (SOC) is conceptualized as promoting resistance to stress. The study aimed to assess the impact of the Big Five personality traits and Social Capital (SC) on SOC levels during COVID-19, comparing associations with the pre-pandemic period. Another aim was to explore how personality and SC relate differently to SOC domains: Comprehensibility, Manageability, and Meaningfulness, reflecting perceptions of order, resource adequacy, and life's significance, respectively. SOC, Big Five personality traits, SC (using by the 13 items SOC scale, NEO-FFI and PSCS inventories, respectively) and demographic data were obtained from 2717 Israeli participants during the heights of the third COVID-19 wave (November 2020-March 2021). Strong relationships between SOC and personality traits have been found through regression analysis, but these associations differed between SOC domains. Big Five traits demonstrated comparable association with Comprehensibly and Manageability, but different from those with Meaningfulness, particularly in Neuroticism, Openness and Extraversion. Significant SC-SOC associations were observed, though weaker than those reported in the pre-pandemic period. Age and female sex were also associated with stronger SOC. Overall, effect sizes for SOC domains were medium to large for Big Five personality traits and small to medium for demographic variables. SC demonstrated a negligible effect size. Significant interactions of demographic, SC and personality traits were also observed. The study highlights SOC's strong links with personality and demographics, but weaker ties with psychosocial factors. Variations across SOC domains may explain diverse crisis effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Zukerman
- Department of Communication Disorders, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Avishai Antonovsky
- Department of Health and Well-Being, Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ephraim Shapiro
- Department of Health Management Systems, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Liat Korn
- Department of Health Management Systems, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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van Sint Fiet A, de la Rie S, van der Aa N, Bloemen E, Wind T. The relevance of social capital and sense of coherence for mental health of refugees. SSM Popul Health 2022; 20:101267. [PMID: 36281249 PMCID: PMC9587331 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Migration puts refugees in a completely new social context when simultaneously some have to deal with previously experienced traumatic events and post-migration stressors. Social capital and sense of coherence could be key resources to improve mental health of refugees. This study aims to examine the interplay between social capital (structural and cognitive), sense of coherence and mental health of refugees in the Netherlands. Objective The present study was conducted to i) examine if social capital (structural and cognitive) and mental health are related in a population of Dutch refugees, and ii) test if sense of coherence has a moderating and/or a mediating effect on this relation. Method Data were collected through questionnaires (n = 154) in a cross-sectional survey at different locations throughout the Netherlands. The data were analysed with multiple regression analyses and nonparametric bootstrapping using SPSS. Results Social capital (structural and cognitive) was positively related to mental health. In addition a positive relation between sense of coherence and mental health of refugees was found. The relationship between cognitive social capital and mental health was completely mediated by sense of coherence. No moderation effect of sense of coherence on the relation between social capital and mental health was found. Conclusions The current study contributed to understanding the social mechanism that determines refugee mental health: participating in social groups (structural social capital) and having supportive and trusting relationships (cognitive social capital), whilst experiencing life as comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful (sense of coherence) are positively related to better mental health of refugees. Findings indicate that preventive interventions aiming to enhance refugees' mental health may be more effective when targeting and promoting both social capital and sense of coherence, from a relatively early stage after arrival in the Netherlands. Structural and cognitive social capital are positively related to mental health of refugees. A positive relation is found between sense of coherence and mental health of refugees. Sense of coherence mediates this relation between cognitive social capital and mental health. Including resiliency factors and strengthening social mechanisms may create more effective mental health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine van Sint Fiet
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Center, Nienoord 5, 1112 XE, Diemen, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author. Arq Centrum ’45, Nienoord 5, 1112 XE Diemen, the Netherlands.
| | - Simone de la Rie
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Center, Nienoord 5, 1112 XE, Diemen, the Netherlands
| | - Niels van der Aa
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Center, Nienoord 5, 1112 XE, Diemen, the Netherlands
| | - Evert Bloemen
- Pharos, Dutch Centre of Expertise on Health Disparities, Arthur van Schendelstraat 600, 3511 MJ, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tim Wind
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Center, Nienoord 5, 1112 XE, Diemen, the Netherlands
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Anthun KS, Maass REK, Hope S, Espnes GA, Bell R, Khan M, Lillefjell M. Addressing Inequity: Evaluation of an Intervention to Improve Accessibility and Quality of a Green Space. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E5015. [PMID: 31835473 PMCID: PMC6950353 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16245015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Green space areas offer several benefits that support our physical, psychological, and social health. However, the level of engagement with green space areas may not be the same across population groups. Using a mixed-method research design, we investigated the use of a green space area and whether and how the area was beneficial for health, social inclusion, and physical activity for all socioeconomic groups in a suburban area in Norway. The study showed significantly increased use of the area from 2015-2018 and that users belonged to different socioeconomic groups. The motivation for using the area was the opportunity to experience nature and to interact socially. While no significant changes in self-rated health, life satisfaction, or levels of physical activity were found, the study indicates that factors such as location, availability, and designated places for social interaction are important motivating factors for use. Users from the lower socioeconomic groups were among the frequent users but were also the least satisfied with the quality and availability of the path. Our findings call for closer consideration of the location and availability of green spaces and that including places for social interaction and relaxation can contribute to increased use of green spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsti S. Anthun
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway; (R.E.K.M.); (S.H.); (M.L.)
| | - Ruca Elisa Katrin Maass
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway; (R.E.K.M.); (S.H.); (M.L.)
| | - Siren Hope
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway; (R.E.K.M.); (S.H.); (M.L.)
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Center for Health Promotion Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway;
| | - Geir Arild Espnes
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Center for Health Promotion Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway;
| | - Ruth Bell
- Institute of Health Equity, Department for Epidemiology & Public Health, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK; (R.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Matluba Khan
- Institute of Health Equity, Department for Epidemiology & Public Health, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK; (R.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Monica Lillefjell
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway; (R.E.K.M.); (S.H.); (M.L.)
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Omiya T, Yamazaki Y. Positive change and sense of coherence in Japanese mothers of children with congenital appearance malformation. Health Psychol Open 2018; 4:2055102917729540. [PMID: 29379618 PMCID: PMC5779930 DOI: 10.1177/2055102917729540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify the factors related to perceived positive change and sense of coherence in mothers (n = 293) of children with cleft lip and palate. The strongest negative correlation with sense of coherence was stigmatizing words from others; there were positive correlations with social capital and perceived positive change. Multiple regression showed that to be aware of positive changes, mothers share their feelings with mothers in the same position, are rooted in a safe community and do not feel isolated in parenting. People who have experienced adversity may have the opportunity to enhance sense of coherence by obtaining perceived positive change.
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Maass R, Lindström B, Lillefjell M. Neighborhood-resources for the development of a strong SOC and the importance of understanding why and how resources work: a grounded theory approach. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:704. [PMID: 28899368 PMCID: PMC5596861 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4705-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Providing individuals with psychosocial resources such as sense of coherence (SOC) seems a beneficial strategy for health promotion in the neighborhood. In order to become a supporting theory for health promotion, Salutogenesis should renew its focus on resources for health, and explore how the development of a strong SOC can be facilitated. METHODS Relevant issues were explored using a Grounded Theory- approach. Three focus-group-sessions and three in-depth interviews were conducted with strategically sampled participants. The transcripts of the focus groups were initially analyzed line-by-line to ensure that insights emerged from the data. We then applied focused and systemic analyses to achieve axial coding, and to include insights into how social interactions during focus groups may reveal social processes in real-life-neighborhoods. The data from the in-depth interviews were used to validate and fill emerging categories, as well as to ensure data-saturation. RESULTS Findings indicate the importance of repeated experiences with resources and every-day-challenges to develop a strong SOC. Active engagement with resources is a favorable condition for significant experiences, which enhance the internalization of resources. Core experiences are characterized by a re-organization of resources. Participation in intellectual meaning-making through equal power dialogue seems to broaden perspectives and promote the strengthening of SOC. A strong SOC can also be described as a deeper understanding of how and why resources work, which allows for a more flexible use of resources, including replacing missing resources. CONCLUSION A new understanding of SOC as an intuitive understanding of how, why and under which circumstances resources work, as well as a new focus on everyday life and repeated experiences might facilitate new approaches to a purposeful strengthening of SOC through the planning and implementation of public measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruca Maass
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- NTNU Center for Health Promotion Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bengt Lindström
- NTNU Center for Health Promotion Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Departement of Public health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Monica Lillefjell
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- NTNU Center for Health Promotion Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Tomstad S, Dale B, Sundsli K, Saevareid HI, Söderhamn U. Who often feels lonely? A cross-sectional study about loneliness and its related factors among older home-dwelling people. Int J Older People Nurs 2017; 12. [PMID: 28752653 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM AND OBJECTIVES To investigate the prevalence of individuals who often feel lonely among a sample of Norwegian older home-dwelling people aged ≥65 years old, as well as to identify any possible factors explaining their loneliness. BACKGROUND Loneliness is known to be common among older people. To identify those older adults who are lonely, and to acquire knowledge about the complexity of their loneliness, is important to provide them with adequate help and support. DESIGN This study employed a cross-sectional design. METHOD A questionnaire was mailed to a randomised sample of 6,033 older home-dwelling persons aged ≥65 years. A total of 2,052 persons returned the questionnaire and were included in the study. The questionnaire consisted of questions asking whether the subjects often felt lonely or not, as well as health-related and background questions and instruments to measure the participants' sense of coherence, mental problems, nutritional screening and self-care ability. The data were analysed using univariate and multivariate statistical methods. RESULTS A total of 11.6% of the participants reported often feeling lonely. Six factors emerged to be independently associated with often feeling lonely among the respondents: Living alone, not being satisfied with life, having mental problems, a weak sense of coherence, not having contact with neighbours and being at risk for undernutrition. CONCLUSIONS The study shows that often feeling lonely among older home-dwelling persons is a health-related problem that includes social, psychological and physical aspects. Moreover, these persons have limited resources to overcome feelings of loneliness. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Lasting loneliness among older home-dwelling persons requires an overall, person-centred and time-consuming approach by nurses. Nurses with advanced knowledge on geriatric nursing may be required to offer appropriate care and support. Healthcare leaders and politicians should offer possibilities for adequate assessment, support and help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solveig Tomstad
- Centre for Care Research, Southern Norway, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Bjørg Dale
- Centre for Care Research, Southern Norway, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Kari Sundsli
- Centre for Care Research, Southern Norway, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Hans Inge Saevareid
- Centre for Care Research, Southern Norway, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Ulrika Söderhamn
- Centre for Care Research, Southern Norway, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
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Kimura M, Yamazaki Y. Mental health and positive change among Japanese mothers of children with intellectual disabilities: Roles of sense of coherence and social capital. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016; 59:43-54. [PMID: 27497373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We investigated predictors of mental health and positive change among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in Japan based on the concept of the Double ABCX model. We used variables of having a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and dissatisfaction with systems as stressors, availability of social support and social capital (SC) as existing resources, sense of coherence (SOC) as appraisal of the stressor, and mental health and positive change as adaptation. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 10 intellectual disability-oriented special needs schools in Tokyo, and obtained 613 responses from mothers of children under age 20 attending these schools. The results showed that our Double ABCX model explained 46.0% of the variance in mothers' mental health and 38.9% of the variance in positive change. The most powerful predictor of this model was SOC, and SC may be directly and indirectly related to maternal mental health and positive change through mothers' SOC. Increasing opportunity for interaction between neighbors and family of children with disabilities may be one effective way to enhance SOC through SC. Since maternal SOC, SC, mental health, and positive change were significantly correlated with each other, synergy among these elements could be expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyako Kimura
- Department of Preventive Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan.
| | - Yoshihiko Yamazaki
- Faculty of Social Welfare, Nihon Fukushi University, Okuda, Mihama-cho, Chita-gun, Aichi, Japan
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Maass R, Kloeckner CA, Lindstrøm B, Lillefjell M. The impact of neighborhood social capital on life satisfaction and self-rated health: A possible pathway for health promotion? Health Place 2016; 42:120-128. [PMID: 27770668 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2016.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neighborhood social capital has repeatedly been linked to favorable health-outcomes and life satisfaction. However, it has been questioned whether it's impact on health has been over-rated. We aim to investigate relationships between neighborhood social capital and self-rated health (SRH) and life satisfaction (LS) respectively, both directly and indirectly mediated via Sense of Coherence and self-esteem. Based on a cross-sectional population-survey (N=865) in a medium size Norwegian municipality, we specified a structural equation model (SEM) including the above-listed variables, while controlling for gender, age, education, income, and employment status. The applied model explains more variance in LS (46%) than in SRH (23%). Social capital has a stronger impact on life satisfaction than on health. The indirect pathway via SOC had the highest impact on life satisfaction, but no significant relationship to SRH. Self-rated health was more tightly linked to personal background variables. Enhancing social capital in the neighborhood might be a beneficial strategy to promote life satisfaction, as well as strengthening sense of coherence even in healthy communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruca Maass
- Department of Health Science, Faculty of Health and Social Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway; Center for Health Promotion Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway.
| | - Christian A Kloeckner
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology Management, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway.
| | - Bengt Lindstrøm
- Department of Social Work and Health Science, Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology Management, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway.
| | - Monica Lillefjell
- Department of Health Science, Faculty of Health and Social Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway; Center for Health Promotion Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway.
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