Sense of coherence, depressive feelings and life satisfaction in older persons: a closer look at the role of integrity and despair

Objectives: The present study investigated the relationship between Antonovsky's sense of coherence (SOC) and well-being in a sample of Flemish elderly. In addition, the mediating role of Erikson's developmental task of integrity versus despair was examined in the relationship between SOC, depression, and life satisfaction. Method: Data on sociodemographic variables, SOC, depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, ego-integrity, and despair were collected. In total, 100 older persons with a mean age of 76.5years participated. Mplus was used to test the mediating role of integrity and despair in the relationship between SOC and both life satisfaction and depression. Results: A positive relationship between SOC and well-being was found. More precisely, elderly individuals with a strong SOC experienced less depressive symptoms and higher levels of satisfaction with their life. In addition, mediation analysis indicated that the relationship between SOC and depressive symptoms was partially mediated by the positive resolution of the integrity-despair crisis, whereas the relationship between SOC and life satisfaction was fully mediated by integrity and despair. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that SOC might be a resource for greater well-being in the elderly. Furthermore, our study offers a partial explanation for the relations found and points to the importance of finding integrity and resolving despair in this stage of life.