Transforming Coverage of Primary Prevention in Abnormal Psychology Courses

Abstract

A comprehensive understanding of abnormal psychology requires coverage of recent advances in primary prevention that are documented by empirical research. We describe a brief conceptual scheme and exemplary studies for presenting primary prevention in abnormal psychology courses and suggest resources and teaching methods for instructors. Our approach assumes that clinical and community psychology are conceptually distinct but complementary fields; the study of prevention not only connects them but provides a useful perspective for understanding abnormal psychology. Our concern with integrating primary prevention into abnormal psychology courses goes beyond articles on more specialized courses on community and preventive psychology recently published in Teaching of Psychology.