Research supervision as a mutual learning process: introducing salutogenesis into supervision using 'The Collegial...

Area of Science:

• Health Promotion
• Higher Education Research
• Salutogenesis

Background:

• Salutogenesis and its core concept, sense of coherence (SOC), are resource-oriented theories applicable in various contexts.
• Research combining health promotion and doctoral supervision in higher education is limited.
• This study addresses health promotion in research supervision, focusing on stress management within sustainable working life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and discuss the application of salutogenic theory and health models to postgraduate research supervision.
• To explore how sense of coherence (SOC) influences health and learning in doctoral candidates.
• To present 'The Collegial Model' as a practical salutogenic framework for research supervision.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of salutogenic research (1992-present).
• Analysis of fundamental supervision characteristics through 'The Collegial Model'.
• Examination of ethics and SOC in supervision, including relations, communication, reciprocity, and reflection.

Main Results:

• 'The Collegial Model' integrates ethics and sense of coherence in supervision.
• Key elements for salutogenic supervision include comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness.
• Doctoral supervision is characterized by mutual learning processes among colleagues.

Conclusions:

• Supervisors can benefit from adopting a salutogenic approach in their thinking and practice.
• Applying salutogenic principles can enhance research supervision guidelines.
• Salutogenic theory provides a valuable framework for promoting health and well-being in doctoral education.