Assignment: Theory-Based Primary Prevention Programs

One research-supported characteristic of effective prevention programming is firm grounding in a relevant practice theory. Unfortunately, prevention programs may not explicitly communicate their theoretical base; likewise, as a consumer of a program or as a practitioner, the theoretical base might not be immediately apparent. Because of its importance, however, a goal you should have for any prevention program you might wish to design in the future is an explicit description of the program’s theoretical foundation.

For this Assignment, you outline your own primary intervention program, based on a theory you have studied thus far in the course, for an area of need in your community or for a professional area of interest. When choosing a community’s area of need, remember that the best preventative intervention focus may come from your own experience in your community.

The Assignment (2–3 pages)

• Identify the theory you selected.
• Based on the theory, create a primary intervention program for an area of need in your community or professional area of interest. Include the purpose of the program, client population, and four major characteristics of the program that would contribute to its effectiveness. Explain why you think these characteristics would make the primary intervention program more effective.

Use evidence-based research to support your findings.

Support your Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list for all resources, including those in the resources for this course.

Bond, L. A., & Carmola-Hauf, A. M. (2004). Taking stock and putting stock in primary prevention: Characteristics of effective programs.
The Journal of Primary Prevention, 24(3), 199–221.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Larson, J. (2007). Couple enrichment approaches.
Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 6(1/2), 197–206.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Stith, S., Pruitt, I., Dees, J., Fronce, M., Green, N. Som, A., & Linkh, D. (2006). Implementing community-based prevention programming: A review of the literature.
The Journal of Primary Prevention, 27(6), 599–617.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.