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The mechanisms behind the formation of a strong Sense of Coherence ( SOC ): The role of migration and integration
Author(s) -
Slootjes Jasmijn,
Keuzenkamp Saskia,
Saharso Sawitri
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.743
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1467-9450
pISSN - 0036-5564
DOI - 10.1111/sjop.12400
Subject(s) - turkish , psychology , narrative , psychological intervention , social psychology , coherence (philosophical gambling strategy) , salutogenesis , political science , health promotion , health care , philosophy , linguistics , psychiatry , law , physics , quantum mechanics
Considering how much we know about the impact of the Sense of Coherence ( SOC ) on different health‐related outcomes, we know surprisingly little about how a strong SOC actually develops. In this study we examine the mechanisms behind the formation of a strong SOC and study the role of migration, integration and general resistance resources ( GRR s) in this process. We held 46 life‐story interviews with women of Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese descent. We divided the respondents in a relatively strong and weak SOC group in order to discern patterns of life experiences associated with SOC development. We find that, as Antonovsky predicted, experiencing consistency and load balance are associated with a strong SOC . In opposition to Antonovsky's claims, decision making power is not a necessary condition to develop meaningfulness. Moreover, the women's life narratives show that migration and integration are related to the mechanisms shaping SOC , yet, the impact is subjective and depends on the availability and use of GRR s. Our findings provide improvements to Antonovsky's salutogenic theory and provide suggestions for interventions aimed at strengthening SOC .