The Meaning of Sense of Coherence (SOC) in Persons with Late Effects of Polio—A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Sense of Coherence (SOC), comprising comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness, is important for the sense of living a good life with Late Effects of Polio (LEoP). However, there is a lack of knowledge about the meaning of these three components. The aim of this study was to explore in-depth the meaning of SOC among persons living with LEoP, in terms of comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness. A directed content analysis was performed based on individual interviews with 7 men and 7 women with LEoP (mean age 73 years). SOC in persons with LEoP existed in two overarching themes that were closely intertwined: a state of motion and a state of being. The state of motion comprised active approaches, choices and actions, and was a process aimed at achieving a stronger comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness. The state of being comprised the comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness that the persons currently experienced. A profound understanding of SOC as both a state of motion and state being is essential for rehabilitation professionals when providing self-management support to persons living with LEoP. This understanding can increase their sense of living a good life and also be used in the rehabilitation of other life-long conditions.