APA Dictionary of Psychology

a branch of psychology emphasizing evidence-based practices to protect and advance health and well-being at individual and systemic levels. The goals of prevention psychology are (a) to stop a mental health or health problem from ever occurring; (b) to delay the onset of an age-related problem or intervene with those at risk of a problem; (c) to reduce the impact of an existing problem; (d) to strengthen the knowledge, attitudes, and health behaviors of individuals or groups and thereby enhance protections against pathology; and (e) to support and advocate for institutional, community, and government policies that promote physical and emotional health and well-being. Prevention psychologists often partner with professionals in other disciplines or specialties and provide theoretical perspectives and empirical research to support health-promoting interventions in schools, workplaces, and communities.