Salutogenicoriented

Salutogenicoriented is an adjective describing approaches, research, programs, or policies that are guided by salutogenesis—the study of the origins of health rather than disease. A salutogenicoriented perspective concentrates on factors that support health, well-being, and resilience, and on processes by which people manage stress and maintain or regain balance.

Based on the work of Aaron Antonovsky, the term stems from the broader concept of salutogenesis, introduced in the 1970s. Central ideas include the sense of coherence (SOC), a global orientation reflecting confidence that life is comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful; and generalized resistance resources (GRRs), resources that help people cope with stress and stay healthy.

Applications of a salutogenicoriented approach occur in health promotion, public health, occupational health, education, and community development. Interventions emphasize building protective resources, such as social support, access to information, stable environments, meaningful activities, and coping skills, rather than solely identifying risk factors or treating disease. Programs may aim to strengthen SOC, expand GRRs, and create environments that reduce stress or convert stressors into growth opportunities.

In practice, salutogenicoriented work complements traditional pathogenic approaches by seeking to explain why some people stay healthy under adversity. Critiques note challenges in defining and measuring salutogenic outcomes across settings and in translating theory into universal interventions. Nevertheless, the approach informs policies and programs that promote resilience, well-being, and sustainable health.

See also: salutogenesis, sense of coherence, generalized resistance resources, health promotion, resilience.