Now that we all know that primary prevention in mental health is great, what is it?

Abstract

This article reviews recent evidence documenting the efficacy of primary prevention approaches in mental health and calls attention to several different ways in which that concept has been used: a) the current, widely espoused, risk detection-disorder prevention model, pivoting around initial identification of risk factors for adverse psychological outcomes; and b) a more inclusive, challenging, life-span-oriented wellness enhancement model, based on the view that psychological wellness per se may provide significant protection against the likelihood of major psychological disorder. The author considers points of overlap between these two models as well as important differences in their underlying conceptualizations, defining strategies, and contexts of support. The article depicts a disorder prevention approach as one aspect of a more comprehensive, life-span oriented, wellness enhancement approach, and argues for more central roles and support for both models within a changing overall mental health matrix. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.