Application of salutogenic concept in social work with diabetic patients.

In the context of salutogenesis, coping with diabetes is perceived as a dynamic process of changes in all aspects of biopsychosocial model of health/disease. Understanding of salutoprotective factors allows for estimation of client's extent of vulnerability and ability to cope with the disease. The objective of the study is to assess selected salutoprotective factors in diabetic clients (SOC-type hardiness, well-being-subjective feelings and states scale [SUPOS], perceived social support scale [PSSS]). Low values of SOC, PSSS, and SUPOS suggest an increased need in psychosocial care. The possibility to strengthen an individual's hardiness and to influence perceived social support adverts to the irreplaceable role of social workers at counseling and educational levels as well as that of a form of social support.

Activation group program for elderly diabetic patients.

The ability to handle stress situations is essential to subjective well-being. The program "Life with diabetes" extends traditional educational approaches by a psycho-social level with emphasis on coping with the disease. It draws on the transtheoretical model of behavior change and Person-Centered Approach (PCA). Results confirm the effectiveness of group work. Values of the activation block have increased (subscales PE and A). An increase of values of positive psychological state was observed, along with a simultaneous decrease in nervousness, anxiety, depressive tendencies, and better compensation of diabetes. Monitoring of saluto-protective factors of diabetic patients' lifestyle creates space for targeted psychosocial intervention, which is valid also for other chronic diseases.