Salutogenesis 30 years later: where do we go from here?

In 1979 Aaron Antonovsky introduced the concept of salutogenesis as the study of health development. This approach contrasted with the concept of pathogenesis or the study of disease development. Pathogenesis works retrospectively from disease to determine how individuals can avoid, manage, and/or eliminate that disease. Salutogenesis works prospectively by considering how to create, enhance, and improve physical, mental, and social well-being. Salutogenesis provides a framework for researchers and practitioners to help individuals, organizations, and society move toward optimal well-being. This article reviews the development and benefits of the salutogenic approach to health, how it complements pathogenesis, and suggests how to use the salutogenic model to develop a science for positive health. The article also suggests using salutogenesis as a basis for the new health care system in America.