Wednesday, May 30, 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm, Regency A
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS, Tony Biglan

IF NOT US, WHO? IF NOT NOW, WHEN? PREVENTION SCIENCE AND THE LARGER CONTEXT

The generic features of prevention science are relevant to the prevention of all of the problems of human societies. We identify problems of human wellbeing that are prevalent and costly, identify the factors that influence their development and prevalence, develop and test practices that will reduce their prevalence, and disseminate effective practices widely. However, the range of problems that have thus far been addressed (by those of us who have explicitly identified ourselves as prevention scientists) has remained limited. In general we study problems of individual psychological functioning and behavior, but have done less work targeting the practices of groups. Group practices that could be studied as natural extensions of existing work include the practices of gangs and the practices of schools as organizations. Moreover, research on the larger context that affects the problems we do study is limited. There is increasing evidence that marketing practices affect numerous health behaviors, but a science for influencing such practices has not been developed. Finally, there are practices that are well beyond the traditional bounds of prevention science, but which have enormous consequences for human wellbeing. Examples include religious intolerance that inspires violence, unsustainable business practices, the suppression of human rights, terrorism, and the war making of nation states. This presentation will argue that the full potential of prevention science will be achieved only when we broaden the scope of the enterprise to address the practices of groups and organizations. It will sketch a framework for expanding prevention science in this direction.

Click HERE for the Presidential Address Presentation Slides (PDF)