Latent factor structure of the Sense of Coherence Scale: Comparison of the models, using confirmatory factor analysis

Abstract

This study explored the reasons for inconsistencies in previous research regarding the latent factor structure of the Sense of Coherence (SOC) Scale, a core concept in salutogenesis. We hypothesized that previous factor analyses overlooked the impact of facets beyond the SOC component—namely, comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. By comparing several factor models from previous studies and our hypothesis, using confirmatory factor analysis, we assessed their fit with data from a large adult sample in Japan. Our results supported a hierarchical factor model that incorporates additional facet levels, including the time of stimuli (i.e., past, present, or future), reflecting Antonovsky’s original conceptualization of salutogenesis and the SOC scale development process. We validated this model by rigorously excluding method effects, and we introduced a methodological tool to disaggregate the components of each construct, thereby examining their differential effects on salutogenesis-related variables.