Sense of coherence as a mediator between personality and depression

The aim of this study was to test the usefulness of the new facet-version questionnaire of the Zuckerman Alternative Five Factor Model (Zuckerman-Kuhlman-Aluja Personality Questionnaire) in examining the associations between personality, depression and sense of coherence (SOC) in a university student sample. All five of the personality factors were found to be at least partially related to both SOC and depression. In particular, lower neuroticism, sensation seeking and hostility, along with higher extraversion and activity, were all significantly associated with SOC. On the other hand, lower sensation seeking, extraversion and activity, and higher levels of aggression and neuroticism, were associated with higher depression scores, either directly or indirectly through SOC. The results of this study demonstrate the usefulness and validity of the ZKA-PQ personality assessment measure for examining correlates of both SOC and depression. •The Zuckerman-Kuhlman-Aluja Personality Questionnaire is a useful instrument.•All five of the factors were associated with sense of coherence and depression.•Links between personality and depression were mediated by sense of coherence.