Use of 'Sense of Coherence (SOC)' scale to measure resilience in Eritrea: interrogating both the data and the scale

Statistical analysis yielded significant differences in SOC scores between the displaced (in camps) and non-displaced persons (residents in urban and rural settlements). Analysis of variance showed that displacement has a significantly negative effect on women compared with men.

These findings are interpreted and discussed in the light qualitative information gleaned from the study participants' interrogation of the content of the SOC scale; and in the wider context of historical socio-political and cultural characteristics of Eritrea. The study's implications for humanitarian and public health policy are considered.