This chapter reviews and integrates conceptual and empirical research focusing on the role of Generalized Resistance Resources (GRRs) within the Salutogenic model. In particular, this chapter discusses findings regarding the conceptual and empirical progress seen in the study of GRRs at the individual, family, and community ecological levels in understanding individual differences in sense of coherence (SOC). Each of the latter attempts to relate to the lifespan in its childhood, adolescent, and adult developmental phases. Specifically, the present chapter uniquely focuses on variables that may contribute to the understanding of individuals’ level of SOC within the Salutogenic model, in contrast to previous reviews which focused primarily on SOC’s role in understanding individuals’ affective functioning, such as well-being, resilience, and coping strategies. Overall, the term Generalized Resistance Resources (GRR) was coined by Antonovsky (1979, 1987) and comprises the characteristics of a person, a group, or a community that facilitate the individual’s abilities to cope effectively with stressors and contribute to the development of the individual’s level of (SOC). As proposed by Antonovsky (1987) the GRRs refer to “phenomena that provide one with sets of life experiences characterized by consistency, participation in shaping outcomes and an underload-overload balance”(Antonovsky, 1987, p. 19).

According to Antonovsky (1979, 1987) such resources may include the following factors (1) material resources (eg, money),(2) knowledge and intelligence (eg, knowing the real world and acquiring skills),(3) ego identity (eg, integrated but flexible self),(4) coping strategies;(5) social support,(6) commitment and cohesion with one’s cultural roots,(7) cultural stability,(8) ritualistic activities,(9) religion and philosophy (eg, stable set of answers to life’s perplexities),(10) preventive health orientation,(11) genetic and constitutional GRRS, and (12) individuals’ state of mind (see Horsburgh & Ferguson, 2012 for a review). In an attempt to develop a more parsimony model, Antonovsky (1987) merged the concept of the GRRs with his earlier concept of the ‘stressors’ and combined them into one concept—Generalized Resistance Resources—Resistance Deficits (GRR-RDs). Accordingly, each of these GRRs was presented on a continuum. Thus, an individual who is higher on the continuum tends to have consistent, balanced life experiences and high participation in decision making. In contrast, an individual who is lower on the continuum tends to have inconsistent, low balanced life experiences and low participation in decision making. In line with these assumptions, among individuals who are higher on the continuum the GRR-RDs are viewed as GRRs and among individuals who are lower on the continuum the GRR-RDs are viewed as GRDs. Based on these assumptions, both GRRs and GRDs (Generalized Resistance Deficits) contribute to the development of an individual’s SOC.