Family as the Model for Prevention of Mental and Physical Health Problems

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors discuss the family as a model for a prevention delivery system for a wide range of mental and physical health problems. Accordingly, the chapter highlights multiple examples of family-based prevention interventions that seek to prevent various mental and emotional disorders and -behavioral problems of youth. Because family processes have a profound impact on bolstering and maintaining healthy behavior in adolescence, the chapter mainly focuses on family-based prevention interventions for adolescents that have been shown to decrease their risky sexual behaviors. Evidence exists that shows family-based interventions can prevent problems that occur during the prenatal and postnatal periods (e.g., maternal depression) and high-risk pregnancies among -teenagers. These interventions thereby prevent other problems, such as genetic anomalies; poor maternal nutrition; maternal smoking, alcohol and drug use; -exposure to neurotoxins; maternal depression or stress; low birth weight; and peri-natal insults (Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2009). In addition, there is research indicating that family-based prevention intervention strategies can prevent problems of child maltreatment, aggression, and other problem behaviors (e.g., substance abuse, antisocial behavior) (IOM 2009). Further, the potential of the family as a means to cultivate resiliency in children is underscored. Finally, efforts to move family-based prevention interventions into day-to-day life and how we can create a healthy future for our children are discussed.