Abstract
We investigate how the sense of coherence and resistance resources explain two aspects of life satisfaction, general life
satisfaction and satisfaction with health in older age. For the first time, we tested the mediating role of the sense of coherence.
In our questionnaire study, 387 older persons at the mean age of 73.8 years volunteered. In addition to the sense of coherence
and life satisfaction measures, we assessed selected resistance resources representing relevant socio-demographic, functional
health, social network, everyday competence, and psychological factors. We found that (a) resistance resources and the sense
of coherence significantly predicted life satisfaction, (b) the sense of coherence was a mediator of the relationship between
resistance resources and life satisfaction, and (c) the predicted effects did not differ for general life satisfaction and
satisfaction with health. The sense of coherence as well as resources such as physical health, everyday competence, social
support, and self-esteem are important antecedents of life satisfaction. Moreover, the sense of coherence represents a superordinate
concept as it pools resistance influences on life satisfaction.
satisfaction and satisfaction with health in older age. For the first time, we tested the mediating role of the sense of coherence.
In our questionnaire study, 387 older persons at the mean age of 73.8 years volunteered. In addition to the sense of coherence
and life satisfaction measures, we assessed selected resistance resources representing relevant socio-demographic, functional
health, social network, everyday competence, and psychological factors. We found that (a) resistance resources and the sense
of coherence significantly predicted life satisfaction, (b) the sense of coherence was a mediator of the relationship between
resistance resources and life satisfaction, and (c) the predicted effects did not differ for general life satisfaction and
satisfaction with health. The sense of coherence as well as resources such as physical health, everyday competence, social
support, and self-esteem are important antecedents of life satisfaction. Moreover, the sense of coherence represents a superordinate
concept as it pools resistance influences on life satisfaction.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Research Paper
- Pages 1-18
- DOI 10.1007/s10902-012-9361-3
- Authors
- Ulrich Wiesmann, Institute for Medical Psychology, University Medicine Greifswald, Walther-Rathenau-Strasse 48, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- Hans-Joachim Hannich, Institute for Medical Psychology, University Medicine Greifswald, Walther-Rathenau-Strasse 48, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- Journal Journal of Happiness Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-7780
- Print ISSN 1389-4978