Validation of the sense of coherence (SOC) scale in a French population using the validscale command in Stata (Preprint)

Abstract

Salutogenesis focuses on understanding the factors that contribute to positive health outcomes. At the core of the model lies the sense of coherence (SOC), which plays a crucial role in promoting well-being and resilience.

We used validscale, a new Stata command, to assess the psychometric properties of the French version of the three-dimensional SOC-13 scale (dimension#1=comprehensibility, dimension#2= manageability, dimension#3=meaningfulness), and, depending on these results, of an alternative version more valid and reliable than the SOC-13.

A sample of 880 consecutive primary care patients recruited in 35 French medical practices were asked to complete the SOC-13 questionnaire. We tested for internal consistency using Cronbach's alphas and Loevinger’s H coefficients, and for construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis and goodness-of-fit indices (RMSEA and CFI).

Of the 880 eligible patients, 804 (91.4%) agreed to participate (women=65.6%, median age=51 years). Cronbach's alphas and Loevinger's H coefficients for the SOC-13 were all <0.70 and <0.30 respectively, indicating poor internal consistency (0.64 and 0.29 for comprehensibility, 0.56 and 0.26 for manageability and 0.46 and 0.17 for meaningfulness). The RMSEA and CFI were >0.06 (=0.09) and <0.90 (=0.83) respectively, indicating a poor fit. By contrast, the psychometric properties of a unidimensional 8-item version (SOC-8) were excellent (Cronbach alpha=0.82, Loevinger's H coefficient=0.38, RMSEA=0.05, CFI=0.97).

We found that the psychometric properties of the French version of the three-dimensional SOC-13 were poor, unlike the unidimensional SOC-8. Although the SOC-8 was found to be both valid and reliable in our study, further validation studies are needed before recommending its use in research.

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