Salutogenesis: A New Paradigm for Student’s Wellbeing

Israeli-American medical sociologist Aaron Antonovsky invented salutogenesis in the 1970s, highlighting factors supporting human health and well-being over causes of ill health. It suggests that mental and social stressors accumulate, leading to health breakdown. Salutogenesis, a wellness approach, focuses on multidimensional health causes and rejects traditional medical models. Antonovsky's salutogenic model emphasizes the influence of lifestyle on life circumstances, resources, stressors, and health perceptions, emphasizing the importance of coherence and confidence in one's environment. The initiative aims to promote sustainable health on campuses by combining traditional pathogenic and salutogenic approaches, emphasizing the importance of a salutogenic environment for student health and well-being. Antonovsky's coherence concept is crucial for health outcomes, while the salutogenic model addresses imbalances. To improve student wellbeing, colleges can establish care teams, create wellness communities, and prioritize team-based learning. The implementation of salutogenesis in medical colleges in India aims to enhance individuals' sense of coherence by exploring personal strengths, resources, and meaning. Key elements include self-reflection exercises, goal setting, and strategies. The session should be supportive, collaborative, and encourage open dialogue. Keywords: Building Resilience, Health-Promoting Campus, Rethinking Health. Gurjeet Singh1,2, Raksha1, Koyalmannam Raman Sethuraman2, Shivasakthy Manivasakan2 1Department of Microbiology, Abhishek I Mishra Memorial Medical College and Research, Bhilai, Durg- 490020. 2Institute of Health Professions Education, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pondicherry- 607402.

Download PDF View in XML View in DOI