Abstract:
The study investigated whether differences between contrasting groups reflect significant differences in psychological
well-being scores. Membership of hazardous vs. less hazardous occupations in the same profession served as proxy
measures of well-being. Antonovsky’s Sense of Coherence (SOC), Block & Kremen’s Ego-resiliency, and Goldberg’s
Emotional Stability scales were validated. Study 1 compared mine rescue team members and ordinary miners (n = 34,
41) and Study 2 police special task force members and regular officers (n = 43, 41). In Study 1, SOC and job satisfaction
predicted group membership. In Study 2, satisfaction with life and extraversion scales predicted group membership, as
did SOC in a secondary analysis. The SOC scale could predict psychological well-being in hazardous work settings.
