Critical Issues Related to the Salutogenic Theory and Its Implementation
摘要
In this chapter, we explore critical issues that have come to the forefront regarding the implementation of salutogenic theory. Since the publication of the first edition of the Hitchhiker’s Guide in 2010, a wealth of researchers and practitioners have used salutogenic theory to inform their projects and activities. Despite the enormous growth and development of the field, there remain several critical issues. In this chapter, issues concerning three categories are addressed, roughly following the structure of the original Hitchhiker’s Guide. First, what we measure, second, how we measure and finally, power dynamics. What we measure questions the appropriateness and relevance of the Sense of Coherence (SOC)-scale itself and the discussion about how SOC relates to health and well-being outcome measures. This category also questions whether SOC scales capture the full salutogenic process or whether additional methods should be developed. Secondly, how we measure discusses issues related to the use of SOC scales and whether and which additional quantitative and qualitative methods should be developed. The third category concerns power dynamics that may emerge when implementing salutogenic theory in programs and activities. The three categories of issues as examples in recent projects are presented. Finally, examples of steps in further development are provided.