title: Using the salutogenic approach to unravel informal caregivers' resources to health: theory and methodology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article describes the theoretical foundation and methodology used in a study intended to increase knowledge concerning informal caregivers' resources to health (in salutogenesis; General Resistance Resources, GRRs). A detailed description of how the approach derived from salutogenic theory was used and how it permeated the entire study, from design to findings, is provided. How participation in the study was experienced is discussed and methodological improvements and implications suggested.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using an explorative, mixed method design, data was collected through salutogenically guided interviews with 32 Swedish caregivers to older adults. A constant comparative method of analysis was used to identify caregiver-GRRs, content analysis was further used to describe how participation was experienced.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The methodology unraveled GRRs caregivers used to obtain positive experiences of caregiving, but also hindrances for such usage contributing to negative experiences. Mixed data made it possible to venture beyond actual findings to derive a synthesis describing the experienced, communal context of the population reliant on these GRRs; Caregivinghood. Participating in the salutogenic data-collection was found to be a reflective, mainly positive, empowering and enlightening experience.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The methodology was advantageous, even if time-consuming, as it in one study unravelled caregiver-GRRs and hindrances for their usage on individual, communal and contextual levels. It is suggested that the ability to describe Caregivinghood may be essential when developing health-promoting strategies for caregivers at individual, municipal and national levels. The methodology makes such a description possible and suggested methodological improvements may enhance its usability and adaptability to other populations.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden. mia.wennerberg@tele2.se
authors.forename: Mia M T
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Wennerberg
authors.forename: Solveig M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Lundgren
authors.forename: Ella
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Danielson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006295:Health Resources; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D060685:Sense of Coherence; D013548:Sweden