Sense of coherence and lifestyle in young university adults: review

Abstract

Research has shown that the young university student must adopt and effectively develop assets in health, in order to develop a high sense of coherence, which will allow for an adaptive coping to maintain wellbeing and health, and to adopt a lifestyle that promotes health. Aim: To identify the factors that directly or indirectly affect the young university student to strengthen the sense of coherence and thus acquire a lifestyle that promotes health. Methodology: Review of original articles in Spanish and English, systematic search in databases: Virtual Health Library, Scientific online e-library and Google Scholar, use of keywords from Health Sciences Descriptors, i.e. ‘sense of coherence, students, young adults and lifestyle’. Seven original articles were analysed. Results: The sense of coherence related to the lifestyle of young adults can be negatively affected when they are single, do not work, are women, are 18-21 years old, suffer from sadness and anxiety, consume alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs. The sense of coherence positively related to lifestyle, to general and psychological health, and it can also predict students’ quality of life. Conclusions: The sense of coherence allows to identify young university students’ health assets, with the aim to modify a lifestyle that promotes their well-being, and contributes to improve their health and quality of life