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Empowerment: An emerging mental health technology

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Abstract

This paper addresses the theory and practice of empowerment as an emerging mental health technology, as well as its relationship to prevention. The paper begins with a discussion of the increasing interest in empowerment by preventionists. Definitional issues are then considered; in this context the disparate philosophical world views of empowerment and prevention are outlined. Next, attention is directed to emprowerment in practice. This section is followed by a discussion of possible roles for professionals in empowerment activities. The paper ends with a note of caution to mental health professionals who plan to use the emerging technology of empowerment.

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Swift, C., Levin, G. Empowerment: An emerging mental health technology. J Primary Prevent 8, 71–94 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01695019

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