Sense of Coherence

Sense of Coherence (SoC) – A Concept for Enhancing Resilience and Well-Being

The Sense of Coherence (SoC) is a psychological concept developed by Aaron Antonovsky, which describes an individual's ability to cope with and manage life's difficulties in a resilient way. It is part of salutogenesis, a medical field that studies the origins of health. In addition to studying how diseases arise, Antonovsky questioned where health comes from and what allows us to stay healthy.

For the development of my consulting plans, I also rely on this concept, as it is based on key principles of human well-being. According to Antonovsky, the SoC consists of three fundamental components:

1. Comprehensibility – The perception that the world is structured, predictable, and explainable. People with a high level of comprehensibility can interpret life events coherently, reducing uncertainty and chaos.

2. Manageability – The belief that one has the necessary (personal, social, or environmental) resources to cope with life’s challenges. Those with a high degree of manageability handle stress better because they feel equipped with the right tools to overcome it.

3. Meaningfulness – The sense that life has a purpose and that challenges have value. This is the motivational factor that drives people to engage actively in situations, finding meaning even in difficulties.

If you think about it, whenever you take on a task or accept a job, it is because it makes sense to you, you can manage it, and it is understandable.

The Impact of Sense of Coherence in Daily Life and Work

The SoC is essential for psychological and physical well-being. A person with a high SoC is more resilient, less prone to stress and anxiety, and better able to face adversity with a positive mindset. This concept is particularly important in professional and social settings, where a strong SoC can improve adaptability, relationship quality, and overall well-being.

• Mental health: A strong SoC is associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety.

• Resilience: Encourages better adaptation to traumatic or difficult events.

• Motivation: A strong sense of meaningfulness leads to greater motivation and personal satisfaction.

• Work environment: The SoC positively influences productivity, engagement, and stress management.

SoC in Leadership: A Key to Success and Well-Being

In summary, the Sense of Coherence is a fundamental pillar of human well-being, providing the necessary tools to approach life with a proactive and positive attitude.

In the workplace, leadership that incorporates the SoC fosters a more harmonious environment, improving organizational well-being and productivity. A leader with a high level of SoC can communicate clearly, provide the necessary resources to face challenges, and appreciate employees’ contributions, making their work more meaningful.

The benefits of applying SoC in leadership include increased motivation and employee engagement, reduced stress and burnout, as well as improved collaboration and mutual trust. Companies that embrace a SoC-based leadership approach report higher levels of job satisfaction and performance, creating a positive cycle of well-being and success.

Conclusion

Integrating the Sense of Coherence into leadership not only improves work quality but also represents a competitive advantage for organizations aiming for sustainable and positive development.

Since it is not always easy to offer the best to employees, I invite you to develop a project together based on SoC principles – and beyond. Feel free to contact me!