Salutogenesis as a theoretical framework for psychosocial rehabilitation: the case of the Clubhouse model

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This study explored whether the holistic theory of salutogenesis may be a suitable theoretical framework for the Clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation, a pioneer among psychosocial rehabilitation programmes.

Methods: A systematic examination of elements of the Clubhouse model, as prescribed by the Clubhouse standards, was performed within the context of the theory of salutogenesis including its basic salutogenic orientation and the main concepts of sense of coherence and resistance resources.

Results: We found that several standards and practices within the Clubhouse model can be understood as applications of salutogenesis. We have hypothesized that the Clubhouse model promotes peoples’ sense of coherence and mental health. However, our investigation also showed that, to enhance the recovery of Clubhouse members, more explicitly incorporating some salutogenic principles, such as “appropriate challenges” and “active adaptation as the ideal in treatment”, may benefit Clubhouse practice.

Conclusions: The Clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation is very consistent with the salutogenic orientation and main salutogenic concepts. The present study suggests that salutogenesis may be a suitable theoretical framework for the Clubhouse model and possibly in the psychosocial rehabilitation field in general.

KEYWORDS:

• Clubhouse model
• mental health promotion
• mental illness
• psychosocial rehabilitation
• salutogenesis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

There are no financial conflicts of interest to disclose.

Notes on contributors

Orsolya Reka Fekete

Orsolya Reka Fekete is a social worker and PhD Fellow at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. Her PhD project is titled “Experiences of Being a Clubhouse Member – Qualitative Studies in a Norwegian Context”. Her research areas include the Clubhouse model, psychosocial rehabilitation, mental health care, social services, recovery and salutogenesis.

Liv Grethe Kinn

Liv Grethe Kinn, is an occupational therapist, associate professor, PhD. She is the main supervisor of the PhD project “Experiences of Being a Clubhouse Member – Qualitative Studies in a Norwegian Context”. Her main research projects are qualitative studies of the Clubhouse Model and the Individual Placement and Support Model (IPS).

Torill M. B. Larsen

Torill M. B. Larsen is a Professor of Health Promotion at the University of Bergen. Her research areas include implementation and evaluation of health promotion interventions among children and adolescents, social and emotional learning in school, physical activity in children and adolescents, mental health promotion in schools, health promoting nursing and cancer rehabilitation.

Eva Langeland

Eva Langeland is a mental health nurse and Professor of Health Science at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. Her research focuses on health promotion, salutogenesis, and well-being in different settings and populations.