Abstract
This theoretical paper links prevention activities and wellness activities in a context of social action. It attempts to define prevention by describing the essential characteristics of the prevention process. Six characteristics are identified: proactive, generic, developmental, experiential, systemic, and collaborative. A number of prevention programs which appear to illustrate one or more of these characteristics are cited. The need for such a process as an approach to many contemporary individual and social problems is assumed. The author's intention is to provide program planners and funders with a usable theoretical base for developing and evaluating specific programs.
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References Notes
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Additional information
Charles T. Adam is a Human Relations Consultant. Reprint requests may be sent to the author at 5560 N. Iroquois, Glendale, WI 53217. The author thanks the following persons for their assistance in the development of this paper: James Anathan, Lowell Grottveit, Fred Matzke, Jeanne Metzig, chair, and Barbara Rudolph, who served on the Prevention Committee of the Wisconsin Council of Voluntary Family and Children's Agencies.
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Adam, C.T. A descriptive definition of primary prevention. J Primary Prevent 2, 67–79 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01333744
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01333744