The roles of salutogenesis in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Prevention is one of the main measures against COVID-19. This report discusses the necessity of measures against COVID-19 based on salutogenesis, which is a different perspective from disease prevention. Furthermore, we salutogenically organized and interpreted problems in the COVID-19 pandemic from three viewpoints: stress, behavioral change, and stigma. It is possible to promote stress measures related to COVID-19 salutogenically. In particular, it is important to take measures against the low sense of coherence. The stress theory is one of the background theories in salutogenesis and many previous empirical studies examined the sense of coherence in stress coping capacity. Behavioral changes, such as mandated face masks, cough etiquette, and keeping spatial distance, are considered salutogenic measures in the sense that their adaptation was required in the new social life rather than as pathogenic measures. COVID-19 stigma measures should follow stigma measures toward people living with psychiatric problems as a guide. As the sense of coherence is related to self-stigma and health literacy is related to public stigma, many anti-stigma programs have been evaluated. Further salutogenic measures against COVID-19 stigma are expected to be developed and carried out. We concluded that a salutogenic approach is effective against future problems during the COVID-19 pandemic.