The Coming of Age of Primary Prevention: Comments on Durlak and Wells's Meta‐Analysis

A comment on a metaanalytic review of primary prevention mental health programs for children & adolescents by Joseph A. Durlak & Anne M. Wells (1997 [see abstract 9802938]) contends that their thoughtful enumeration of the many accomplishments of primary prevention should impress even its st...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of community psychology 1997-04, Vol.25 (2), p.153-167
Main Author: Cowen, Emory L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescents
Children
Children & youth
Evaluation Research
Health Education
Juvenile delinquency
Mental health
Mental Health Services
Prevention
Program Evaluation
Systematic review
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Summary:A comment on a metaanalytic review of primary prevention mental health programs for children & adolescents by Joseph A. Durlak & Anne M. Wells (1997 [see abstract 9802938]) contends that their thoughtful enumeration of the many accomplishments of primary prevention should impress even its strongest detractors. Their definition of primary prevention included both reducing the incidence of psychological dysfunction & promoting mental health, which gave their research clear, inclusionary ground rules that were important in light of narrower definitions proposed in recent years. However, they occasionally strayed from their ground rules, as with the rule calling for a prime study focus on behavioral & social outcomes. Overall, the work clarifies the current status of the field & shows that primary prevention programs bolster children's behavioral & social adaption, a finding that should encourage new avenues of research & program development. 55 References. J. Lindroth
ISSN:0091-0562
1573-2770
DOI:10.1023/A:1024606110716