Salutogenesis beyond Health

Abstract

Aaron Antonovsky enriched us with a unique, challenging model of salutogenesis, which had high levels of comprehensibility, manageability, and especially meaningfulness. When he passed away, about 25 years ago, we wondered whether, and perhaps how, the model would be developed after him. To witness today, the rich and active development of the model is deeply exciting. Part IV, Salutogenesis Beyond Health, deals with new developments and creative advancements of the theory.

It is very tempting to continue Antonovsky’s way by using his strict guidelines for salutogenic research. However, he also taught us “it is wise to see models, theories, constructs, hypotheses, and even ideas as heuristic devices, not only truths.” The chapters included in this part of the handbook represent good examples of following this advice.