S u m m a r y

 

Upanne M (1996)

The concepts and views of prevention

Psykologia 31/6 (421-428). Rauma ISSN 0355-1067.

 

The article is a review and an analysis of the development of theories and strategies for prevention. The purpose is to create a theoretical framework and differentiate critical points for analyzing practices of suicide prevention in Finland.

It can be seen that the development of the idea of prevention has been expanding through many pragmatic changes which are based on diverging concepts of man and conflicting explanations for psycho-social problems. A medical-illness model and a a psychosocial interaction model, with their practical consequences, are considered. It is important to realize the farreaching consequences theoretical orientations have for practices in society. Finally, key concepts and a simple framework for analyzing preventive practices is presented.

 

Maila Upanne, M.A., National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (STAKES) POB 220, FIN-00530 HKI, Finland.