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Developing a Community Science Research Agenda for Building Community Capacity for Effective Preventive Interventions

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American Journal of Community Psychology

Abstract

Research has shown that prevention programming can improve community health when implemented well. There are examples of successful prevention in local communities, however many continue to face significant challenges, demonstrating a gap between science and practice. Common strategies within the United States to address this gap are available (e.g., trainings), but lack outcomes. Building community capacity to implement high quality prevention can help communities achieve positive health outcomes, thereby narrowing the gap. While there is ample research on the efficacy of evidence-based programs, there is little on how to improve community capacity to improve prevention quality. In order to narrow the gap, a new model of research—one based in Community Science—is suggested that improves the latest theoretical understanding of community capacity and evaluates technologies designed to enhance it. In this article, we describe this model and suggest a research agenda that can lead to improved outcomes at the local level.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. RAND, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, California, 90407

    Matthew Chinman, Patricia Ebener & Sarah B. Hunter

  2. VISN-22 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the West Los Angeles VA Healthcare Center, Los Angeles, California

    Matthew Chinman

  3. Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, 29208

    Gordon Hannah, Abraham Wandersman, Pamela Imm & Jeffrey Sheldon

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  1. Matthew Chinman
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  2. Gordon Hannah
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  3. Abraham Wandersman
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  4. Patricia Ebener
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  5. Sarah B. Hunter
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  6. Pamela Imm
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  7. Jeffrey Sheldon
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Correspondence to Matthew Chinman.

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Chinman, M., Hannah, G., Wandersman, A. et al. Developing a Community Science Research Agenda for Building Community Capacity for Effective Preventive Interventions. Am J Community Psychol 35, 143–157 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10464-005-3390-6

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