Salutogenesis and the Sense of Coherence During the Adolescent Years

Abstract

This chapter focuses on salutogenesis and the sense of coherence during the adolescent years. The authors’ approach is itself salutogenic, in the sense that they develop their arguments in line with a positive youth development perspective. Adolescents are appreciated as individuals eager to explore the world, to acquire competence, and to struggle with challenges and difficulties, rather than as a vulnerable group in need of risk prevention, cure, and treatment for maladaptive tendencies. It is during the adolescent years, as young people move from one experience of using specific coping resources to another, that different resources can be reviewed and crystalized. The authors discuss a variety of ways that researchers have approached the study of salutogenesis and adolescence.