Now that we all know that primary prevention in mental health is great, what is it?

This article reviews recent evidence documenting the efficacy of primary pr evention approaches in mental health and calls attention to several differe nt ways in which that concept has been used: a) the current, widely espouse d, risk detection-disorder prevention. model, pivoting around initial ident ification of risk factors for adverse psychological outcomes; and b) a more inclusive, challenging, life-span-oriented wellness enhancement model, bas ed on the view that psychological wellness per se may provide significant p rotection against the likelihood of major psychological disorder. The autho r considers points of overlap between these two models as well as important differences in their underlying conceptualizations, defining strategies, a nd contexts of support. The article depicts a disorder prevention approach as one aspect of a more comprehensive, life-span oriented wellness enhancem ent approach, and argues for more central roles and support for both models within a changing overall mental health matrix. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons , Inc.