ABSTRACT
This chapter will discuss and advocate for an increased use of evidence-based prevention applications within the psychology, counseling, human services, education, and the healthcare professions to promote individual and social wellbeing across the lifespan. Specifically, the chapter will: (1) define “prevention psychology” and show how it is similar and different from earlier conceptualizations of prevention; (2) demonstrate that preventive interventions are critically important and necessary to educate and serve individuals and community groups, especially those who have not been well served by traditional crisis-oriented services (which have dominated the counseling and psychology fields) due to social and cultural stigma, costs, and financial barriers, and lack of access to such services; (3) explain how the 21st century technological revolution offers the potential to significantly increase the use of social media and personal electronic devices to promote a prevention perspective to reduce the incidence of major mental health problems across the globe (e.g. depression) and influence the reduction of serious behaviors of lifestyle (e.g. alcohol and drug use); (4) discuss the process of developing evidence-based preventive interventions in different settings (e.g. schools, health care facilities, and communities); (5) show the importance of using evidence from prevention science to influence social and political actions and policies that promote the health and wellbeing of an entire community, state, or country; (6) review recent literature that shows the cost-effectiveness of promoting preventive applications across the lifecycle; (7) offer a perspective about prevention science as supporting social justice initiatives since the goals of prevention interventions empower individuals and support health and wellbeing across the lifecycle. The chapter will conclude by advocating for the need for greater emphasis and opportunities in prevention science education and training of counselors, healthcare professionals, and educators to more fully integrate prevention perspectives and skills into the mainstream of the human services professions.
