Pathogenesis and Salutogenesis in Health

Introduction

• Two main frameworks in health: Pathogenesis and Salutogenesis
  • Pathogenesis: Study and origins of disease, traditionally used to create health
  • Salutogenesis: Studies the origins and causes of health, complementary to pathogenesis

Assumptions and Starting Points

• Pathogenesis

  • Starting point: Disease or problem
  • Approach: Identify causes of disease and eliminate them to create health

• Salutogenesis

  • Starting point: Desired reality or idealized outcome
  • Approach: Figure out how to create the desired outcome, starting not with a problem but with a vision

Nature of Pathogenesis vs. Salutogenesis

• Pathogenesis

  • Reactive: Focuses on avoiding problems
  • Belief: We are inherently healthy unless exposed to pathogens

• Salutogenesis

  • Proactive: Focuses on creating new outcomes
  • Belief: We are inherently flawed and must actively create health

Idealism vs. Realism

• Pathogenesis

  • Idealistic: Belief in natural health

• Salutogenesis

  • Viewed as pessimistic but is realistic: Acknowledges potential for illness but advocates for creating health proactively

Comparison with Thermodynamics

• Second Law of Thermodynamics: Systems move towards chaos if left alone
  • Implication: We must actively create desired outcomes and health

Happiness and Health

• Reference to Tal Ben-Shahar's book "Happier"
  • Happiness requires active effort, similar to health

Goals and Measurement

• Pathogenesis

  • Focus: Avoidance of pain, problems; preparing to live without issues
  • Outcome: Neutral, minimizing problems

• Salutogenesis

  • Focus: Growth, gaining potential, continuous improvement
  • Outcome: No set endpoint, progress points toward desired outcomes

Empowerment

• Mother Teresa's Philosophy
  • Against war vs. for peace
  • Salutogenesis empowers by promoting health creation

Conclusion

• Importance of acting salutogenic to create desired life and health
• Recommended reading: "Salutogenesis 30 Years Later" by Aaron Antonovsky (1979)
• Encouragement for improved health and well-being