Sense of coherence mediates the effect of trauma on the social and emotional functioning of Palestinian health providers

Palestinian health providers are widely recognized to be at risk of developing trauma. Research has examined the role of sense of coherence (SOC) as a determinant or component of psychological distress in emergency workers. In the current study, we expected that SOC would mediate the relationship between individual health providers’ primary responses to the traumatic environment (as assessed using intrusion and avoidance measures) and the secondary effects suffered in terms of general psychological distress as reflected in levels of anxiety, social dysfunction, and loss of confidence. Participants (N = 218) were recruited at public hospitals in 3 different areas. The General Health Questionnaire, SOC Scale, and Impact of Event Scale were administered. Mediation analysis was conducted to assess whether and to what extent SOC influenced the effects of trauma among health providers. SOC was found to be a determinant of the relationship between impact of traumatic events and anxiety, social dysfunction, and loss of confidence. Mediation analysis confirmed that SOC partially mediated the impact of trauma on both anxiety and social dysfunction whereas it fully mediated the relationship between trauma and loss of confidence. Clinical and practical implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved)