The use and misuse of some positively valenced community concepts

Considers the usage of four somewhat amorphous, but positively valenced, co mmunity mental health terms: primary prevention in mental health land close ly related notions such as wellness enhancement and positive psychology); r esilience; charter schools; and empowerment. Use of these concepts often re flects a need to align with currently popular, "in"-terminology, rather tha n an intrinsic connection between what is being written about and a tight d efinition of the concept in question. Usages built primarily around a conce pt's positive valence and glitter tend to: (a) break down communication; (b ) confuse rather than clarify; and (c) ultimately retard a field's growth a nd progress.