The role of sense of coherence in stressor appraisal

According to Lazarus and Folkman’s (1984) transactional theory of stress, an individual’s appraisal of a stressor can be impacted by various factors, including individual cognitive differences. Within the literature there is a need to further understand those factors that may influence the way in which individuals appraise stressors in their work environment. One such cognitive individual difference, Sense of Coherence (SoC), refers to an individual’s generalized emotional-cognitive perception of stimuli in the environment (Antonovsky, 1987a). Individuals with a strong SoC perceive the world as more comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful, and research suggests that individuals who have stronger levels of SoC may appraise more work-related stressors as having potential for allowing personal gain (challenges) than for obstructing personal gain (hindrance) or causing personal harm (threat). The present study is designed to assess the role of SoC in an individual’s appraisal of work-related stressors as challenges, hindrances, or threats. Although one’s SoC remains relatively stable after an individual reaches adulthood (i.e., age 30), research demonstrates that from this point on, SoC gradually increases with age. The present study will involve an examination of the moderating effect of age on the relationship between individuals’ SoC and their appraisal of common work-related stressors