The use and misuse of some positively valenced community concepts

Authors
Citation
El. Cowen, The use and misuse of some positively valenced community concepts, COMM MENT H, 37(1), 2001, pp. 3-13
Citations number
37
Categorie Soggetti
Public Health & Health Care Science
Journal title
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL
ISSN journal
00103853 → ACNP
Volume
37
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Pages
3 - 13
Database
ISI
SICI code
0010-3853(200102)37:1<3:TUAMOS>2.0.ZU;2-S
Abstract
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.