Primary Prevention: Expanding the Impact of Psychological Services in Schools

Primary prevention interventions are used to reduce the incidence or the number of new cases of a disorder occurring within a population. These interventions provide a viable means by which school psychologists can expand their impact within the schools. The major dimensions of primary prevention were discussed as were the general means by which such services can be provided. Although there is a belief that no available technology of primary prevention exists, this myth is refuted through a discussion of the various procedures which offer great potential for the achievement of primary prevention goals. Several model projects were described as examples of the types of programs that can be implemented in schools.