Salutogenesis
Salutogenesis is a concept developed by medical sociologist Aaron Antonovsky that asks what keeps people healthy - instead of what makes them ill, as in traditional medicine. The term is derived from the Latin "salus" (health) and the Greek "genesis" (origin). The focus is on the resources and factors that promote resilience and well-being.
What is salutogenesis?
Salutogenesis is an alternative to classical pathogenesis, which focuses on the development of disease. The Israeli-American medical sociologist Aaron Antonovsky developed the concept in the 1970s after observing that some people remained mentally and physically healthy even under extreme stress and the most adverse circumstances.
The Continuum of Health and Illness
Antonovsky did not view health as a static state, but rather as a dynamic equilibrium on a continuum between complete health and complete illness. Every person moves along this axis—influenced by stressors on the one hand and by so-called generalized resistance resources on the other. These include social support, knowledge, life experience, and inner convictions.
The Core Concept: Sense of Coherence
The central element of the salutogenic model is the sense of coherence—the deeply rooted conviction that life is understandable, manageable, and meaningful. The stronger this sense, the better a person is able to cope with stress and mobilize resources.
Salutogenic thinking has had a lasting impact on health psychology, prevention, and coaching, and forms an important theoretical basis for a holistic understanding of personality development.
What is the difference between salutogenesis and resilience?
Resilience describes the ability to bounce back after setbacks. Salutogenesis is broader in scope: It fundamentally examines the factors that maintain health throughout life - not just in times of crisis.
How can the salutogenetic model be used in everyday life?
By regularly asking: What strengthens me? What resources do I have? What gives my actions meaning? This shift in perspective away from the problem and towards your own sources of strength is the practical core of the approach.