The relationship between sense of coherence and personality traits in novice nurses

Abstract

The aim of this research was to clarify the relationship between sense of coherence (SOC) and personality traits in novice nurses. Subjects were 1,280 novice nurses from across the country who participated in a questionnaire survey by mail. The survey included the subject's SOC, SOC constructs (comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness), and personality traits. Measurements were conducted using the 13-item SOC scale and the TIPI-J. Analyses were performed using correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. The collection rate was 23.5% with 301 valid responses. Regarding the relationship between SOC and personality traits, a correlation was confirmed with all personality traits (p＜0.01). In multiple regression analysis, neuroticism exhibited the strongest influence on SOC (β＝-0.364). Regarding the influence on SOC constructs, conscientiousness exhibited the strongest influence on meaningfulness (β＝0.288). Further, agreeableness and extraversion exhibited significant effects on all SOC constructs. Regarding the relationship between SOC and personality traits, it was suggested that the lower the neuroticism, the higher were the SOC, conscientiousness, and the SOC construct of meaningfulness. Further, it was suggested that the higher the extraversion and agreeableness, the higher were the SOC and all SOC constructs.