Stability of the sense of coherence in adolescence.
The aim of this prospective study was to explore the stability of sense of coherence (SOC) in adolescents from the age of 15 to 18 years.


METHODS
A prospective population-based follow-up study of 1294 first-born children was started in 1986. When the children were 15 (N = 846) and 18 (N = 792) years old, SOC was measured using questionnaires filled out at home.


RESULTS
The mean change in SOC scores (0.10, SD 10.2; in percentages 1.98%, SD 18.4) in the whole sample between the ages of 15 and 18 years was negligible and non-significant (p = .788). At the individual level, some changes were seen in the scores. The SOC scores of boys at the ages of 15 and 18 years were significantly higher than those of girls (mean 65.4 vs. 60.8 and 65.4 vs. 61.7, respectively). The SOC scores of adolescents living with both parents were higher than those with one parent or other guardian (mean 64.5 vs. 59.9), and the difference was significant in both age groups (p < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Contrary to assumptions made in Antonovsky's theory, we found no significant change in SOC between the ages of 15 to 18 years, and coherence stability did not depend on the initial SOC. Some fluctuation in SOC scores was seen at the individual level. For planning of interventions, it is important to know that SOC seems to be reasonably stabilized before the age of 15 years.
Institute of Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine, University of Turku, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland. paivi-leena.honkinen@utu.fi
Pãivi-Leena
PL
Honkinen
Sakari
S
Suominen
Hans
H
Helenius
Minna
M
Aromaa
Päivi
P
Rautava
Andre
A
Sourander
Matti
M
Sillanpää
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D041923:Adolescent Development; D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*