Chapter
Primary Prevention: Theory, Issues, Methods, and Programs (IN: Contemporary Perspectives on Crisis Intervention and Prevention, ed. by A R Roberts)
Bloom M
A characteristic of primary prevention is its dual focus on strengths to be promoted, & problems to be prevented or treated. This chapter identifies 8 levels in a health functioning continuum, recognizes biological, psychological, sociological, & physical aspects at work at every level, clarifies time dimensions, &, for each level of functioning, suggests helping strategies. The health-functioning continuum is discussed with reference to teenage pregnancy, suicide, child abuse, & AIDS.(24 Refs.)