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Salutogenesis

Open access
Lindström, Bengt, Eriksson, Monica·2005·Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
DOI 10.1136/jech.2005.034777PMC PMC1757059
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Abstract

The editor of the journal has taken the initiative to develop glossaries on central concepts in health promotion. The aim of this paper is to explain and clarify the key concepts of the salutogenic theory sense of coherence coined by Aaron Antonovsky. The explanations and interpretations are the result of an analysis of the scientific evidence base of the first 25 years of salutogenic research, described and discussed in an ongoing project on a systematic review by the above authors. The contemporary evidence shows the salutogenic approach could have a more central position in public health and health promotion research and practice. Furthermore, it could contribute to the solution of some of the most urgent public health problems of our time such as the question of mental health promotion. Finally, it could create a solid theoretical framework for health promotion.

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  • The theory of salutogenesis takes a different view, searching for factors that support human health and welfare (origins of health).

    “The theory of salutogenesis takes a different view of what creates health and what factors support health, as opposed to the conventional approach of pathogenesis to study the factors that cause disease (9). To find the “origins of health”, one needs to search for factors that support the human health and welfare (10).”

    From Concepts and definitions of health and health-related values in the knowledge landscapes of the digital society (2017) · cites this paper as [10]

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Research works printed but not linked: 41

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Authors
Lindström, B., & Eriksson, M.
Affiliations
Nordic School of Public Health (SE)
Corresponding author
Lindström, Bengt
Venue
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
Publisher
BMJ
Published
2005-05-23
Volume
59
Issue
6
Pages
440-442
ISSN
  • 0141-7681 (ISSN-L)
  • 0143-005X
  • 1470-2738
DOI
10.1136/jech.2005.034777
PMC
PMC1757059
OpenAlex
W4237963634
Cited by
523
References
2
Citations by year
2026: 23 · 2025: 26 · 2024: 37 · 2023: 30 · 2022: 39 · 2021: 32 · 2020: 36 · 2019: 39 · 2018: 27 · 2017: 29 · 2016: 31 · 2015: 22 · 2014: 20 · 2013: 25 · 2012: 17
FWCI
2.18
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
European Commission
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health, psychology, and well-being
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health and Wellbeing Research
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Community Health and Development
Keywords
salutogenesis, sense of coherence, Aaron Antonovsky, health promotion, mental health promotion, theoretical framework, evidence base
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Attitude to Health, Health Promotion, Health Status, Humans, Models, Psychological, Terminology as Topic, Psychometrics, Public Health

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