A review of the concept of Salutogenesis and its significance for promoting mental health recovery through participatory arts

This review article seeks to strengthen the theoretical basis for the use of community-based arts programmes to promote mental health and well-being. This is done by introducing the Salutogenic Model of health promotion and the recovery approach in mental health and applying their relevance to social and political trends in the United Kingdom today. Salutogenesis has much to offer the theory and practice of health promotion, and in particular arts-based approaches. Mental health outcomes are difficult to define and prescribe for, though community-based arts approaches may help to strengthen individuals and communities. Community-based arts programmes are well placed to meet these various agendas and are able to contribute to meeting the social and identity needs of people with mental health problems.