Salutogenic (pronounced sal-yoo-toh-JEN-ik) describes an approach to health and well-being that emphasizes the factors contributing to a person's ability to cope with stress and maintain health, rather than solely focusing on the causes of illness (pathogenesis). It centers on identifying and strengthening 'sense of coherence' (SOC), a global orientation that expresses the extent to which one has a pervasive, enduring though dynamic feeling of confidence that (1) the stimuli deriving from one's internal and external environments in the course of living are structured, predictable and explicable; (2) the resources are available to one to cope with the demands posed by these stimuli; and (3) these demands are challenges, worthy of investment and engagement. The core of the salutogenic model lies in understanding the resilience factors that facilitate adaptation, personal growth, and well-being even in the presence of adversity.
Salutogenic meaning with examples
- The school implemented a salutogenic approach, focusing on building a sense of community and providing students with resources to manage stress and build resilience. This initiative aimed to foster a positive learning environment where children feel safe and supported, ultimately leading to better mental and physical well-being for each child in school.
- A salutogenic intervention in the workplace emphasized communication and teamwork. They created a space of clarity, providing employees the resources to tackle workplace challenges with efficacy. This approach was adopted, seeing a positive outcome for the employees; more were able to cope with stress in their home and work life.
- Therapists use salutogenic techniques, guiding patients to identify their strengths and resources, developing coping strategies to see their struggles as manageable challenges and to create a more positive outlook. This approach enables patients to improve their resilience and overall mental health.
- The study used a salutogenic lens to examine the impact of exercise on mental health. It analyzed participants' sense of coherence to understand how physical activity strengthened their ability to cope with stress and promoted a greater sense of well-being, contributing to the long-term health of the participants.