The effect of salutogenic treatment principles on coping with mental health problems

Objective Although the theory of salutogenesis provides generic understanding of how coping may be created, this theoretical perspective has not been explored sufficiently within research among people suffering from mental health problems. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of talk-therapy groups based on salutogenic treatment principles on coping with mental health problems. Method In an experimental design, the participants (residents in the community) were randomly allocated to a coping-enhancing experimental group (n = 59) and a control group (n = 47) receiving standard care. Coping was measured using the sense of coherence (SOC) questionnaire. Results Coping improved significantly in the experiment group (+6 points) compared with the control group (−2 points). The manageability component contributed most to this improvement. Conclusion Talk-therapy groups based on salutogenic treatment principles improve coping among people with mental health problems. Practice implications Talk-therapy groups based on salutogenic treatment principles may be helpful in increasing coping in the recovery process among people with mental health problems and seem to be applicable to people with various mental health problems.