The life cycle, mental health and the sense of coherence
Antonovsky, A.
Israel Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences 22(4): 273-280
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0333-7308 PMID: 3836223 Document Number: 244680
The life cycle is viewed in system terms as a continuous set of challenges and patterned adaptive responses. A salutogenic orientation is proposed, focusing on the secret of success in successful coping, which facilitates movement toward that end of the mental health continuum which is a vibrant sense of psychological wellbeing. The core concept put forth is the sense of coherence, an orientation to the world which sees it as comprehensible, manageable and meaningful. The last stage of the life cycle is analyzed in terms of intergenerational relations which foster the sense of coherence, using the concepts of ritualized occasions, social valuation, the gift relationship and power.