This course provides an introduction to the new and expanding field of prevention science, which involves the systematic study of interventions to decrease maladaptive behaviour and their consequences, as well as promote healthy, adaptive behaviours. It explains how preventive interventions focus on lessening risk factors and reinforcing protective factors in order to discourage processes leading to pathologies or dysfunctional behaviors.
The course will offer detailed descriptions of the design, evaluation and implementation of existing interventions – both universal and targeted - in the domains of education (i.e., school-based programs), psychosocial wellbeing and mental health. It will address the central question of identifying how and for whom the intervention works. Challenges related to the quality, fidelity and sustainability of implementation of prevention and intervention programs will also be emphasized. In addition, students will learn about the statistical tools needed to test the effectiveness of such interventions and will be given the opportunity to apply this knowledge.
- Teacher: Claire Garandeau
- Teacher: Tiina Turunen