MPH student, Lili Van Camp, completed her practicum with Public Health Ontario during summer 2023. Her work centers on the concept of salutogenesis, which focuses on factors that support human health and wellbeing. Instead of asking “what makes people sick?” salutogenesis poses the question, “what keeps one healthy?”. Simply, the concept explores the origins of health rather than the cause of disease. Key concepts in salutogensis include:

1. Health continuum: health exists along a continuum, emphasizing that people can be both healthy and ill to varying degrees throughout their lives;
2. Resistance resources: biological and psychosocial factors that help people cope well; 
3. Sense of coherence: orientation that allows individuals to cope with adverse experiences; and
4. Self-identity: how we see and perceive ourselves and our role in society.

While health promotion and salutogenesis share a positive overall outlook on health, there are important differences. Salutogenesis is focused on individuals and the conditions through which health and wellbeing can be managed. The integration of salutogenic concepts into health promotion practice holds promise for reorienting efforts toward creating social conditions that facilitate health-promoting behaviors. By asking, "what keeps one healthy?" health promoters can shift their focus from deficits to strengths, fostering a more holistic approach to well-being. Access the report to learn more about this important work.