Salutogenesis: Sense of Coherence in Adolescence

Excerpt

The main aim of this chapter is to summarize the main finding regarding SOC and adolescents in the last decade since adolescence is a period of growth and development which can potentially influence the emotional, motivational and behavioral components of SOC. The chapter is divided into the following sections: Adaptations of the Sense of Coherence Questionnaires; Sense of Coherence construct during adolescence; SOC, health, mental health, and psychosocial behavior; and Ecological contexts; Family, school, peers, community. In conclusion, we raise several directions for future research in the field of salutogenesis and sense of coherence during adolescence. First, we suggest to examine in more depth the role of family coherence as a protective factor for health and mental health as well as the relationships of family SOC with success in school and with other psychosocial behaviors. Moreover, since non-Western cultural groups were less studied in this context, several questions regarding the universality of the concept of SOC were raised. Thus, it seems important to further examine this issue. We focus on the meanings of sense of coherence in such cultures as well as the understanding of the questionnaire and the implication of SOC in such societies.