Antonovsky Revisited – Implications for Mental Health Promotion Practice

Abstract

The paper assesses the validity of Antonovsky's (1996) assertion that health promotion should use the salutogenic model of health to guide practice, by drawing on the results of an evaluation of a supported further education programme for people with long-term mental health needs. Three consecutive cohorts of further education (FE) students with a long-term mental health diagnosis were assessed before and after participation, using Antonovsky's (1987) short form Sense of Coherence questionnaire (SOC-13). Students with SOC13 scores 52 and above at entry showed no significant change. However, students with entry SOC13 scores below 52 made statistically significant positive gains in their exit scores. A causation model was developed from qualitative evidence from students’ accounts of participation in the programme. The results of short questionnaires provided numerical data for building a model of the relationships between the themes and SOC13 scores. The model suggests that peer support is an important factor in the success of the programme and that the activity of learning reduced symptoms and raised positive affect. The results of this study support the value of Antonovsky's salutogenic health perspective for mental health promotion staff and allied professionals, and highlight the need for mental health professionals to pay attention to the pathogenic and salutogenic paradigms for understanding the health needs of people with long-term mental health needs.

Keywords:

• Antonovsky
• mental health promotion practice