Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Toward a technology in primary prevention: Educational strategies and tactics

  • Articles
  • Published:
Journal of Primary Prevention Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The coming major task of primary prevention is to inform people about what works, what will prevent problems and promote desired potentials. This will be the task of educational technology, converying those tested packages of effective methods for achieving specified social ends. This paper explores the nature of this preventive/promotive technology. Examples of primary prevention programs illustrating the various issues in such a technology are given. A model for educational technology is provided: the application of systematic procedures that can be employed in concert to affect factors which prevent predictable problems, protect current healthy functioning, and/or promote desired potentials.

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. (1985). The argument for primary prevention.Journal of Primary Prevention.5(4), 214–219.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A.Principles of Behavior Modification. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1969.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bloom, B.L.Stressful Life Event Theory and Research: Implications for Primary Prevention. (Prevention Publication Series) (DHHS Publication No. ADM 85-1385). 1985.

  • Bloom, M. (in press). Hygiegia at the scales: Weighing the costs and effectiveness of primary prevention, with special reference to mental retardation.Journal of Primary Prevention.

  • Bronfenbrenner, U.A Report on Longitudinal Evaluations of Pre-School Programs (Vol. 2): Is Early Intervention Effective? Washington, D.C. (Dhew Publicaton No. OHD 74-25). 1974.

  • Bogue, D.J. (1975). A long-term solution to the AFDC problem: Prevention of unwanted pregnancy.Social Service Review, 49(4), 539–552.

    Google Scholar 

  • Botum, G. & Eng, A. (1982). The efficiacy of a multicomponent approach to the prevention of cigarette smoking.Preventive Medicine, 11, 199–211.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Boulding, K.E. (1974) The social system and the energy crisis.Science, 184, 255–259.

    Google Scholar 

  • Camp, B. & Bash, M. (1978). The classroom ‘think aloud’ program. Paper.

  • Clarke, A.M. (1982). Developmental discontinuities: An approach to assessing their nature. In L.A. Bond & J.M. Joffe (Eds.),Facilitating Infant and Early Childhood Development. Vol. VI. (Primary Prevention of Psychopathology Series). Hanover, New Hampshire: University Press of New England.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cantor, J. & Sparks, G.S. (1984). Children's fear responses to mass media: Testing some Piagetian predictions.Journal of Communication, 34(2), 90–103.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coche, E. (1976). Therapeutic benefits of a problem-solving training program for hospitalized psychiatric patients. Paper.

  • Durlak, J.A. (1983). Social problem-solving as a primary prevention strategy. In R.D. Felner, L.A. Jason, J.N. Moritsugu, & S.S. Farber (Eds.).Preventive Psychology: Theory, Research, and practice. New York: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duehn, W.D. & Mayadas, N.S. (1976). The use of stimulus/modeling videotapes in assertive training for homosexuals.Journal of Homosexuality, 1(4), 9–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elardo, B.T. & Caldwell, B.M. (1979). The effects of an experimental social development program on children in the middle childhood period.Psychology in the Schools, 16, 93–100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eron, L.D. (1982). Parent-child interaction, television violence, and aggression of children.American Psychologist, 37(2), 197–211.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Evans, R.I., Rozelle, R.M., Lasater, T.M., Dembroski, T.M., & Allen, B.P. (1970). Fear arousal, persuasion, and actual versus implied behavior change: New perspective utilizing a real-life dental hygiene situation.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 16(2), 220–227.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Evans, R.I., Rozelle, R.M., Maxwell, S.E., Raines, B.E., Dill, C.A., & Guthrie, T.J. (1981). Social modeling films to deter smoking in adolescents: Results of a three year field investigation.Journal of Applied Psychology, 66, 399–414.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fawcett, S.B., Fletcher, R.K., & Mathews, R.M. (1980). Applications of behavior analysis in community education. In D. Glenwick & L. Jason (Eds.)Behavioral Community Psychology: Progress and Prospects. New York: Praeger.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fawcett, S.B., Mathews, R.M., & Fletcher, R.K. (1980). Some promising dimensions for behavioral community technology.Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 13(3), 505–518.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fawcett, S.B., Mathews, R.M., Fletcher, R.K., Morrow, R., & Stokes, T.F. (1976). Personalized instruction in the community: Teaching helping skills to low-income neighborhood residents.Journal of Personalized Instruction, 1, 86–90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Felner, R.D., Jason, L.A., Moritsugu, R.N., & Farber, S.S. (1983).Preventive Psychology: Theory, Research, and Practice. New York: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Finckenauer, J.O. (1979). Scared straight.Psychology Today,3(4).

  • Graham, J.D. & Garber, S. (1984). Evaluating the effects of automobile safety regulations.Journal of Policy Anaysis, 3(2), 206–224.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gougis, R. & Wright, B.E. (1985). Peer leader project.Prevention Forum, 5(4), 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Green, L., Heit, P., Iverson, D., et al. (1980). The school health curriculum project: Its theory, practice, and measurement experience.Health Education Quarterly, 7(1), 14–34.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gullotta, T.P. Prevention's technology. Paper written for N.I.M.H. no date.

  • Hake, D.F. & Foxx, R.M. (1978). Promoting gasoline conservation: The effects of reinforcement schedule, a leader, and self-recording.Behavior Modification, 2(3), 339–370.

    Google Scholar 

  • Healey, K. (1977). An investigation of the relationship between certain social cognitive abilities and social behavior, and the efficacy of training in social cognitive skills for elementary retarded educable children. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Bryn Mawr College.

  • Heber, F.R. (1978). Sociocultural mental retardation: A longitudinal study. In D.G. Forgays (Ed.),Primary Prevention of Psychopathology (Vol. II): Environmental Influences. Hanover, New Hampshire: University Press of New England.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heeren, J. & Shichor, D. (1984). Mass media and delinquency prevention: The case of scared straight.Deviant Behavior, 5(1–4), 375–386.

    Google Scholar 

  • Homant, R.J. & Osowski, G. (1981). Evaluation of the ‘scared straight’ model: Some methodological and political considerations.Corrective and Social Psychiatry & Journal of Behavior Technology, Methods, and Therapy,27(3), 130–134.

    Google Scholar 

  • Intagliatta, J. (1978). Increasing the interpersonal problem-solving skills for an alcoholic population.Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 46, 489–498.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jason, L.A. & Glenwick, D.S. (1984). Behavioral community psychology: A review of recent research and applications. In M. Hersen, R.M. Eisler, & P.M. Miller (Eds.),Progress in Behavior Modification, Vol. 18, New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Justice, B. & Duncan, D. (1976). Life crises as precursors to child abuse.Public Health Reports, 91(2), 110–115.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kaplan, L. (1979). Outward Bound: A treatment modality unexplored by the social work profession.Child Welfare, 58(1), 37–46.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kolbe, L.J. & Newman, I.M. (1984). The role of school health education in preventing heart, lung, and blood diseases.Journal of School Health, 54(6), 15–26.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Larcen, S., Spivack, G., & Shure, M. (1972). Problem-solving thinking and adjustment among dependen-neglected preadolescents. Paper.

  • Levenstein, P. (1970). Cognitive growth in preschoolers through verbal interaction with mothers.American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 40, 426–432.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Levenstein, P. & Levenstein, S. (1971). Fostering learning potential in preschoolers.Social Casework, 52, 74–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maccoby, N. & Farquhar, J.W. (1975). Communication for health: Unselling heart disease.Journal of Communication, 25(3), 114–126.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maccoby, N., Farquhar, J.W., Wood, P.D., & Alexander, J. (1977). Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease: Effects of a community-based campaign on knowledge and behavior.Journal of Community Health, 3(2), 100–114.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Madden, J., Levenstein, P., & Levenstein, S. (1976). Longitudinal IQ outcomes of the mother-child program.Child Development, 47, 1015–1025.

    Google Scholar 

  • Madden, J., O'Hara, J., & Levenstein, P. (1984). Home again: Effects of the mother-child home program on mother and child.Child Development, 55, 636–647.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McFall, R.M. & Marston, A.R. (1970). An experimental investigation of behavioral rehearsal in assertive training.Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 76, 295–303.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McNees, P.P., Egli, D.S., Marshall, R.S., Schnelle, J.F., & Risley, T. (1976). Shoplifting prevention: Providing information through signs.Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 9, 399–405.

    Google Scholar 

  • McV Hunt, J. (1978). Plasticity in the rates of achieving cognitive and motivational landmarks. In D.G. Forgays (Ed.),Primary Prevention of Psychopathology. Vol. II. Environmental Influences. Hanover, New Hampshire: University Press of New England.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mednick, S.S. & Baert, A.E. (Eds.) (1981).Prospective Longitudinal Research: An Empirical Basis for the Primary Prevention of Psychosocial Disorders. New York: Oxford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, G.A. (1970). Assessment of Psychotechnology.American Psychologist, 25(11), 991–1001.

    Google Scholar 

  • Neuhring, E.M. (1978). The technological character of barriers to primary preventive activity in mental health: A framework for analysis.Administration in Social Work, 2(4), 451–468.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Peltzman, S. (1975). The effects of automobile safety regulations.Journal of Political Economy, 83, 677–725.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pelz, D.C. (1976) Driving ‘immunication’ in alienated young men.Human Factors, 18(5), 465–476.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perry, C.L. & Murray, D.M. (1982) Enhancing the transition years: The challenge of adolescent health promotion.The Journal of School Health, 525, 307–311.

    Google Scholar 

  • Platt, J., Spivack, G., Altman, N., Altman, D., & Peizer, S. (1974). Adolescent problem solving thinking.Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 42(6), 787–793.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Platt, J. & Spivack, G. (1972). Social competence and effective problem-solving thinking in psychiatric patients.Journal of Clinical Psychology, 28, 3–5.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Poser, E. & Hartman, L. (1979). Issues in behavioral prevention: Empirical findings.Advances in Behavior Research and Therapy, 7(4), 1–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Price, R.H. & Smith, S.S. (1985)A Guide to Evaluating Prevention Programs in Mental Health. Prevention Publication Series (DHHS Publication No. ADM 85-1365.

  • Robertson, L.S. (1975). Behavioral research and strategies in public health: A demur.Social Science and Medicine, 9(3), 165–170.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robertson, L.S., Kelley, A.B., O'Neill, B., Wixom, C.W., Wiswirth, R.S., & Haddon, W., Jr. (1974). A controlled study of the effect of television messages on safety belt use.American Journal of Public Health, 64, 1071–1080.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roush, D.W. (1984). Rational-emotive therapy and youth: Some new techniques for counselors.Personal Guidance Journal, 62(7), 414–417.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schinke, S.P. (1984). Preventing teenage pregnancy. InProgress in Behavior Modification, Volume 16.

  • Schinke, S.P., Gilchrist, L.D., & Small, R.W. (1979). Preventing unwanted adolescent pregnancy: A cognitive-behavioral approach.American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 49, 81–88.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shure, M. & Spivack, G. (1978).Problem-Solving Techniques in Childrearing. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shure, M. & Spivack, G. (1980). A preventive mental health program for young ‘inner city’ children: The second (kindergarten) year. In M. Bloom (ed.)Life Span Development, New York: Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Snow, W.H., Gilchrist, L.D., & Schinke, S.P., (in press). A critique of progress in adolescent smoking prevention.Children and Youth Services Review.

  • Spivack, G. & Levine, M. (1963).Self-regulation in Acting-out and Normal Adolescents. Report M-4531. Washington, D.C.: NIH.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spivack, G. & Shure, M. (1974).Social Adjustment of Young Children. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steinlauf, B., (1979). Problem-solving skills, locus of control, and the contraceptive effectiveness of young women.Child Development, 50, 268–271.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sundel, M. & Schanie, C.F. (1978). Community mental health and mass media preventive education: The alternatives project.Social Service Review, 297–306.

  • Urbain, E.S. & Kendall, P.C. (1980). Review of social-cognitive problem-solving interventions with children.Psychological Bulletin, 88(1), 109–143.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Warner, K. & Murt, H. (1983). Premature deaths avoided by the antismoking campaign.American Journal of Public Health, 73: 672–677.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Winer, J.I., Hilpert, P.L., Gesten, E.I., Cowen, E.I., & Schubin, W.E. (1982). The evaluation of a kindergarten social problem-solving program.Journal of Primary Prevention, 2, 205–216.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. Martin Bloom
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bloom, M. Toward a technology in primary prevention: Educational strategies and tactics. J Primary Prevent 8, 25–48 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01695017

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01695017

Keywords

Search

Navigation