Stress to stability: Sense of coherence as a buffer against pandemic-related psychological distress

Abstract

Background: Identifying protective factors in mental health-related outcomes is crucial, offering insights into the vulnerabilities and strengths individuals harness against psychological distress. There has been limited focus on exploring complex mediation and moderation models, which can uncover the relationships between stressors, protective factors and wellbeing.

Aim: This study investigated the interrelationship between perceived stress, sense of coherence (SOC), and psychological distress.

Setting: South African university students (N = 322) completed the Perceived Stress Scale, Sense of Coherence Scale-13, Beck Hopelessness Scale-9 and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-10.

Methods: Moderation analysis was conducted using the PROCESS macro to examine the role of SOC in moderating the relationship between perceived stress and psychological distress. Where moderation was not significant, mediation analysis was conducted.

Results: Sense of coherence demonstrated multiple roles in mental health, exhibiting direct effects on indicators of psychological distress. Sense of coherence moderated the relationship between perceived stress and hopelessness. Under heightened stress conditions, individuals with low to medium SOC displayed more profound feelings of hopelessness compared to those with high SOC. Mediation analysis showed that SOC served as a bridge between perceived stress and both depression and anxiety. The identification of a potential SOC threshold offers a novel perspective on assessing risk levels, suggesting that individuals with low to moderate SOC are particularly vulnerable under high stress.

Conclusion: The findings emphasise the need for targeted approaches to strengthen SOC as a resilience-enhancing factor.

Contribution: The study advances theoretical discussions on stress-buffering models and offers guidance for mental health practitioners working in high-stress environments.