Salutogenesis

Shrink Definition

Salutogenesis is an approach that asks what keeps people healthy rather than only what makes them sick. Instead of focusing on disease and risk, it studies the resources, coping, and sense of meaning that move people toward health. It reframes wellbeing as an active process, not just the absence of illness. It underlies strengths-based approaches to health.

Plain language

Focusing on what keeps people healthy, not just what makes them ill.

Shrink Insight

Health is something we build, not just illness we avoid.

Why it matters

It reframes health as an active process of building strengths and resources. It complements the usual focus on disease and risk.

Common misunderstanding

People think health is simply the absence of disease. Salutogenesis sees it as an active movement toward wellbeing.

Shrink Perspective

Ask what builds health, not only what breaks it.

Shrink Reflection

What actively keeps me well, not just what stresses me?

Shrink Step

Name one resource or practice that actively moves you toward health.

Shrink Minute

Notice one thing that keeps you well, not just what stresses you.

Shrink Takeaway

Build health, don't just avoid illness.

Medical boundary

Evidence summary

An influential health framework with supportive evidence, foundational to strengths-based models.