Prevention science is an interdisciplinary field that studies the factors and conditions that influence health and well-being; how to prevent and reduce negative impacts; and how to promote health and well-being among individuals, families, and communities. It includes individuals with diverse training, perspectives, and theoretical orientations. At its core, prevention science aims to (1) identify risk, promotive, and protective factors and processes related to positive outcomes and negative outcomes, (2) develop preventive interventions and assess their efficacy and effectiveness, and (3) determine optimal means for intervention implementation, dissemination, and scalability. Central to these goals, prevention science is guided by a set of core assumptions and corresponding principles that lay the groundwork for each of the four core competency domains (Figure 1).
- Principles provide guideposts for assuring research aligns with the overarching edicts of prevention science research.
- Assumptions are proposed fundamental tenets of the field that serve as a foundation for effectively conducting prevention science research and evaluation in line with its principles.
- Competencies include the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors that enable prevention scientists to effectively conduct prevention science research and evaluation.