Theory and concepts of prevention science as applied to clinical psychology

This article provides an overview for this special issue on prevention scie nce in clinical psychology. A brief historical perspective on prevention in clinical psychology is presented. An even greater emphasis on prevention i n the future is related to changes in the current healthcare system and the ir likely impact on psychological practice as we move into the next century . Conceptual and theoretical models of the prevention enterprise are addres sed with a distinction drawn between health promotion and disease preventio n in the areas of mental disorders and general physical health. The classif ication of preventive interventions is discussed and methodological challen ges to outcomes research are outlined. The article concludes with a discuss ion of training and public policy implications and a brief overview of the other articles included in this special issue on prevention science. (C) 19 99 Elsevier Science Ltd.