Introduction
As practitioners dedicated to improving child outcomes, it is crucial to base our interventions on reliable and valid measures. The Sense of Coherence (SOC) scale is one such tool that has been widely used to assess how individuals perceive their world as comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful. However, recent research by Lerdal et al. (2017) has highlighted some psychometric limitations of the 13-item version of the SOC scale (SOC-13) when analyzed using Rasch analysis. This blog will explore these findings and discuss how they can inform and improve our practice.
Understanding the SOC-13 and Its Limitations
The SOC-13 is a shortened version of the original 29-item SOC scale, designed to measure an individual's sense of coherence. It comprises three subscales: Meaningfulness, Comprehensibility, and Manageability. Despite its widespread use, Lerdal et al. (2017) identified several limitations in the SOC-13's psychometric properties when tested on adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Rating Scale Functioning: The study found that collapsing categories at the low end of the 7-category rating scale improved its overall functioning.
- Item Fit: Two items (#1 and #5) demonstrated poor fit to the Rasch model, suggesting they do not align well with the underlying construct of sense of coherence.
- Unidimensionality: Neither the SOC-13 nor the revised 11-item version (SOC-11) met the criteria for unidimensionality, which is crucial for ensuring that the scale measures a single construct.
- Person-Response Validity: The scales did not adequately differentiate between individuals with different levels of SOC, limiting their utility in distinguishing between groups.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners, these findings underscore the importance of critically evaluating the tools we use. Here are some actionable insights:
- Consider Using SOC-11: The revised 11-item version of the SOC scale showed better psychometric properties than the original SOC-13. Practitioners might consider using this version to improve the accuracy of their assessments.
- Be Cautious with Subscales: The study found that the Meaningfulness and Manageability subscales could not separate responses into distinct groups. Practitioners should be cautious when interpreting these subscales and consider focusing on the total SOC score instead.
- Advocate for Further Research: The findings suggest a need for further refinement of the SOC scale. Practitioners can advocate for and participate in research to develop a more reliable and valid measure of sense of coherence.
Conclusion
Incorporating data-driven insights into our practice is essential for creating positive outcomes for children. By understanding the limitations of the SOC-13 and considering alternative approaches, practitioners can enhance their assessments and interventions. For those interested in delving deeper into the research, the original study by Lerdal et al. (2017) provides a comprehensive analysis of these findings.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Psychometric limitations of the 13-item Sense of Coherence Scale assessed by Rasch analysis.
