*2.4. Sense of Coherence Scale—Short Form Leipzig (SOC-L9)*

The SOC-L9 is a nine-item short form scale derived from the original 29-item questionnaire. It measures sense of coherence, which is a construct referring to a person's attitude or confidence that intrapsychic and environmental events are predictable and manageable. Sense of coherence is believed to be a protective factor for mental health. The scale shows good reliability and validity [23].

Access to the online survey was spread and made available through social media (Instagram, Facebook), mailing lists, the Hannover Medical Schools' website, and TV as well as radio appearances by T.H.C. Krüger. Participants from 18 years up were invited to participate. Deliberately, there were no further inclusion and exclusion criteria as we sought out to reach as many citizens as possible.
