PROMOTING COPING: SALUTOGENESIS AMONG PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

Abstract

This article aims to illustrate how Antonovsky's salutogenic theory and its central concept of sense of coherence can be operationalized into salutogenic therapy principles and an intervention program for promoting a sense of coherence, coping, and mental health among people with mental health problems. The intervention is based on the following five basic components or therapy principles: (1) the health continuum model; (2) the story of the person; (3) health-promoting (salutary) factors; (4) the understanding of tension and strain as potentially health promoting, and (5) active adaptation. The program is a talk therapy group intervention and consists of 16 group meetings and homework. The intervention may serve as a guide to mental health nursing practice when coping is the main target.