Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Person-centered approaches to primary prevention in mental health: Situation-focused and competence-enhancement

  • Published:
American Journal of Community Psychology

Summary

Situation-focused and competence-enhancement approaches represent different pathways toward a richer person-centered primary prevention in mental health. Each is valid in its own right. The utility of developing both strands rests precisely on the fact that they are different means to a common end. Thus, although the approaches have somewhat different conceptual footings (one is proactive, the other reactive), differ in immediate goals and tactics, and have characteristically different target groups and times of application, they come together around the shared ultimate goal of strengthening people's psychological well-being.

How much “good” will accrue from energetic exploration and development of these two strands remains a moot point, around which some skepticism has already been voiced (Rappaport, 1981). The two approaches singly or in combination, do not substitute for the type of social reform and provision of life opportunities (based on the concepts of justice and distribution of power) that Rappaport advocates. Nor do they compete with it. During the long period in which informed social change will remain an ideal, surrounded by uncertainty about procedural steps and outcomes, effective development of the two person-centered primary prevention strategies considered in this article can at least help to achieve a shorter-term objective, i.e., replacing aspects of traditional mental health practice known to have limited potential for advancing psychological wellness.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Albee, G. W. (1982). Preventing psychopathology and promoting human potential.American Psychologist, 37, 1043–1050.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, S., & Messick, S. (1974). Social competence in young children.Developmental Psychology, 1O, 282–293.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aronson, E., Blaney, N., Stephan, C., Sikes, J., & Snapp, M. (1978).The jigsaw classroom. Beverly Hills: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Auerbach, S. M. (1984).Stressful life events, psychological crisis and crisis intervention: An empirical perspective. Manuscript submitted for publication.

  • Bloom, B. L. (1979). Prevention of mental disorders: Recent advances in theory and practice.Community Mental Health Journal, 15, 179–191.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bloom, B. L., Asher, S. J., & White, S. W. (1978). Marital disruption as a stressor: A review and analysis.Psychological Bulletin, 85, 867–894.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bloom, B. L., Hodges, W. F., & Caldwell, R. A. (1982). A preventive program for the newly separated.American Journal of Community Psychology, 10, 251–264.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bruce, P. (1958). Relationship of self-acceptance to other variables with sixth-grade children oriented in self-understanding.Journal of Educational Psychology, 49, 229–238.

    Google Scholar 

  • Caplan, G. (1964).Principles of preventive psychiatry. New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cowen, E. L. (1977). Baby-steps toward primary prevention.American Journal of Community Psychology, 5, 1–22.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cowen, E. L. (1980). The wooing of primary prevention.American Journal of Community Psychology, 8, 258–284.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cowen, E. L. (1984). A general structural model for primary prevention program development in mental health.Personnel and Guidance Journal, 62, 485–490.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cowen, E. L., Leibowitz, E., & Leibowitz, G. (1968). The utilization of retired people as mental health aides in the schools.American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 38, 900–909.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Crowe, A. H. & Middleman, R. R. (1982). The Elder Program: A strategy for prevention.Journal of Primary Prevention, 3, 133–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dinges, N. G. (1982). Mental health promotion with Navajo families. In S. M. Manson (Ed.),New directions in prevention among native American and Alaska native communities (pp. 119–141). Portland: Oregon Health Sciences University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Emery, R. E. (1982). Interpersonal conflict and the children of discord and divorce.Psychological Bulletin, 92, 310–330.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Felner, R. D., Farber, S. S., & Primavera, J. (1980). Children of divorce, stressful life events, and transitions: A framework for preventive efforts. In R. H. Price, R. F. Ketterer, B. C. Bader, & J. Monahan (Eds.),Prevention in mental health: Research, policy and practice (pp. 81–108). Beverly Hills: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Felner, R. D., Farber, S. S., & Primavera, J. (1983). Transition and stressful events: A model for primary prevention. In R. D. Felner, L. A. Jason, J. N. Moritsugu, & S. S. Farber (Eds.),Preventive psychology: Theory, research and practice (pp. 199–215). New York: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garmezy, N. (1976).Vulnerable and invulnerable children: Theory, research and intervention. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garmezy, N., Masten, A., Nordstrom, L., & Ferrarese, M. (1979). The nature of competence in normal and deviant children. In M. W. Kent & J. E. Rolf (Eds.),The primary prevention of psychopathology: Vol. 3. Social competence in children (pp. 23–43). Hanover, NH: University Press of New England.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gatz, M., Barbarin, O. A., Tyler, F. B., Mitchell, R. B., Moran, J. A., Wirzbicki, P. J., Crawford, J., & Engelman, A. (1982). Enhancement of individual and community competence: The older adult as community worker.American Journal of Community Psychology, 10, 291–303.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gesten, E. L., Rains, M. H., Rapkin, B. D., Weissberg, R. P., Flores de Apodaca, R., Cowen, E. L., & Bowen, R. (1982). Training children in social problem-solving competencies: A first and second look.American Journal of Community Psychology, 10, 95–115.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldston, S. E. (1977). An overview of primary prevention programming. In D. C. Klein & S. E. Goldston (Eds.),Primary prevention: An idea whose time has come (DHEW Publication No. ADM 77-447). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • Griggs. J. W., & Bonney, M. E. (1970). Relationship between “causal” orientation and acceptance of others, “self-ideal self” congruence, and mental health changes for fourth- and fifth-grade children.Journal of Educational Research, 63, 471–477.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gump, P. V. (1980). The school as a social situation. In M. R. Rosenzweig & L. W. Porter (Eds.),Annual Review of Psychology, 31, 553–582.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hetherington, E. M., Cox, M., & Cox, R. (1978). The aftermath of divorce. In J. H. Stevens & M. Mathews (Eds.),Mother-child, father-child relationships (pp. 149–176). Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hodgson, S. (1979).Intervening to support parents in high-risk populations. Toronto, Canada: Univ. of Toronto Child in the City Programme.

    Google Scholar 

  • Insel, P. M., & Moos, R. H. (1974). Psychosocial environments: Expanding the scope of human ecology.American Psychologist, 29, 179–188.

    Google Scholar 

  • Iscoe, I. (1974). Community psychology and the competent community.American Psychologist, 29, 607–613.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jason, L. A., Robson, S. D., & Lipshutz, S. A. (1980). Enhancing sharing behaviors through the use of naturalistic contingencies.Journal of Community Psychology, 8, 237–244.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kobasa, S. C. (1979). Personality and resistance to illness.American Journal of Community Psychology, 7, 413–424.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matefy, R. E. (1978). Evaluation of a remediation program using senior citizens as psychoeducational agents.Community Mental Health Journal, 14, 327–336.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, R. S., & Lefcourt, H. M. (1983). Social intimacy: An important moderator of stressful life events.American Journal of Community Psychology, 11, 127–139.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Monroe, S. M. (1982). Life events assessment: Current practices, emerging trends.Clinical Psychology Review, 2, 435–454.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moos, R. H. (1979).Evaluating educational environments. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moos, R. H. (1984). Context and coping: Toward a unifying conceptual framework.American Journal of Community Psychology, 12, 5–23.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Muuss, R. E. (1960). The effects of a one and two year causal learning program.Journal of Personality, 28, 479–491.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ojemann, R. H. (1961). Investigations on the effects of teacher understanding and appreciation of behavior dynamics. In G. Caplan (Ed.),Prevention of mental disorders in children (pp. 378–397). New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ojemann, R. H. (1969). Incorporating psychological concepts in the school curriculum. In H. P. Clarizio (Ed.),Mental health and the educative process (pp. 360–368). Chicago: Rand-McNally.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pedro-Carroll, J. L. (1983).The Children of Divorce Intervention Project: An investigation of the efficacy of a school-based prevention program. Doctoral dissertation, University of Rochester.

  • Price, R. H. (1983). The education of a prevention psychologist. In R. D. Felner, L. A. Jason, J. N. Moritsugu, & S. S. Farber (Eds.),Preventive psychology: Theory, research and practice (pp. 290–296). New York: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rappaport, J. (1977).Community psychology: Values, research and action. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rappaport, J. (1981). In praise of paradox.American Journal of Community Psychology, 9, 1–25.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rappaport, J., Davidson, W. S., Wilson, M. N., & Mitchell, A. (1975). Alternatives to blaming the victim or the environment: Our places to stand have not moved the earth.American Psychologist, 30, 525–528.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reiff, R., & Riessman, F. (1965). The indigenous nonprofessional: A strategy of change in community action and community mental health programs.Community Mental Health Journal, Monograph No. 1.

  • Reiss, S., & Martell, R. (1974).Educational and psychological effects of open space education in Oak Park, Illinois. Final Report to Board of Education, District 97, Oak Park, Ill.

  • Riessman, F. (1965). The “helper” therapy principle.Social Work, 10, 27–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Riessman, F. (1967). A neighborhood-based mental health approach. In E. L. Cowen, E. A. Gardner, & M. Zax (Eds.),Emergent approaches to mental health problems (pp. 162–184). New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roskin, M. (1982). Coping with life changes: A preventive social work approach.American Journal of Community Psychology, 10, 331–340.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rotheram, M. J., Armstrong, M., & Booraem, C. (1982). Assertiveness training in fourth- and fifth-grade children.American Journal of Community Psychology, 10, 567–582.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, W. (1971).Blaming the victim. New York: Random House.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shure, M. B., & Spivack, G. (1978).Problem-solving techniques in childrearing. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shure, M. B., & Spivack, G. (1982). Interpersonal problem-solving in young children: A cognitive approach to prevention.American Journal of Community Psychology, 10, 341–356.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shure, M. B., Spivack, G., & Gordon, R. (1972). Problem-solving thinking: A preventive mental health program for preschool children.Reading World, 11, 259–274.

    Google Scholar 

  • Slavin, R. (1977). Classroom reward structure: An analytical and practical review.Review of Educational Research, 44, 633–650.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spivack, G., Platt, J. J., & Shure, M. B. (1976).The problem-solving approach to adjustment. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spivack, G., & Shure, M. B. (1974).Social adjustment of young children: A cognitive approach to solving real-life problems. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stamps, L. W. (1975).Enhancing success in school for deprived children by teaching realistic goal setting. Paper presented at the meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development, Denver, CO.

  • Sterling, S., Cowen, E. L., Weissberg, R. P., Lotyczewski, B. S., & Boike, M. (1985). Recent stressful life events and young chidren's school adjustment.American Journal of Community Psychology, 13, 87–98.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stolberg, A. L., Cullen, P. M., & Garrison, K. M. (1982). Divorce Adjustment Project: Preventive programming for children of divorce.Journal of Preventive Psychiatry, 1, 365–368.

    Google Scholar 

  • Susskind, E. (1979). Encouraging teachers to encourage children's curiosity: A pivotal competence.Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 8, 101–106.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tableman, B., Marciniak, D., Johnson, D., & Rodgers, R. (1982). Stress management training for women on public assistance.American Journal of Community Psychology, 10, 359–367.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tefft, B. M., & Kloba, J. A. (1981). Underachieving high-school students as mental health aides with maladapting primary grade children.American Journal of Community Psychology, 9, 303–319.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Urbain, E. S., & Kendall, P. C. (1980). Review of social-cognitive-problem-solving interventions with children.Psychological Bulletin, 8, 109–143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vaux, A., & Ruggiero, M. (1983). Stressful life change and delinquent behavior.American Journal of Community Psychology, 11, 169–183.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vogelsong, E. L., Most, R. K., & Yanchko, A. (1979). Relationship enhancement training for preadolescents in public schools.Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 8, 97–100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weissberg, R. P., & Gesten, E. L. (1982). Considerations for developing effective school-based social problem-solving programs.School Psychology Review, 11, 56–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wright, S., & Cowen, E. L. (in press). The effects of peer teaching on student perceptions of class environment, adjustment and academic performance.American Journal of Community Psychology.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, 14627, Rochester, New York

    Emory L. Cowen

Authors
  1. Emory L. Cowen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

This paper was written under support of grants from the New York State Department of Education and NIMH (MH 14547-07), for which the author expresses appreciation. Thanks also to Dr. Richard Price, who read and contributed constructively to earlier drafts of the article. I lay exclusive claim, however, to all of its remaining sins.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Cowen, E.L. Person-centered approaches to primary prevention in mental health: Situation-focused and competence-enhancement. Am J Commun Psychol 13, 31–48 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00923258

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00923258

Keywords

Search

Navigation