| National studies present a critical need to assist adolescents in making positive lifestyle choices (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2008; National Research Council [NRC] and Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2009; Kolbe, 2007; Ogden, Carroll, & Flegal, 2010). Current health promotion programs are based on reducing risk factors (pathogenesis). However, an innovative way to promote health is to focus on precursors to positive health, called salutogenesis (Antonovsky, 1987).;This cross-sectional study of 406 youth validates an adolescent version of the Salutogenic Wellness Promotion Scale (SWPS), which assesses physical, emotional, social, vocational, and spiritual dimensions of health. The SWPS-Adol is based on the Holistic Ecological Assessment of Lifestyles for Total Health (H.E.A.L.T.H.) model (Becker et al., 2009).;SWPS-Adol demonstrates a multidimensional structure with good internal consistency (alpha = 0.84). Cronbach's alphas of each subscale were above 0.70 (0.72 -- 0.88), positively correlates with and predicted perceived health (r = 0.37, p < .001), and does not invoke socially desirable responses. The correlation between SWPS-Adol score and perceived health is positively significant in the physical ( r = 0.45, p = < .001), emotional (r = .40, p < .001), social (r = .18, p < .001), and vocational (r =.10, p < 0.039) dimensions. These relationships confirm the more participants engage in positive behaviors, the better their perceived health.;Linear regression found four scales significantly positive with perceived health: physical (beta = 0.53, p < .001), emotional, (beta = 0.43, p < .001), social (beta = 0.15, p < .001), and vocational (beta = 0.15, p = .022). There was an association found between SWPS-Adol and GPA, with the vocational dimension (beta = 0.24, p = .001) being the strongest predictor. These findings indicate the more adolescents engage in health behaviors the better their GPA, supporting previous research. There was also a relationship between the SWPS-Adol and traditional health measures such as body mass index, blood pressure and fitness.;This data can be utilized by school nurses and educators to assist adolescents with continuing their positive health habits. From a unique approach, the SWPS-Adol can inform policymakers about positive health actions related to desirable outcomes, enhancing school, health, and community collaborations. |
