Translation and prevention in family science

Prevention science is the application of scientific methods "to prevent or moderate major human dysfunctions" (Coie et al., 1993, pg. 1013). Whereas historically prevention has been concerned with physical health and disease and, more recently, with mental disorders, prevention scientists recognize that the targets of prevention are broad and include many problems that affect personal, familial, and societal well-being. Prevention science mirrors the diversity of interests and methods that family scientists employ, as well as their substantive expertise. Indeed, it can be argued that family science, with its interdisciplinary nature; commitment to ecological/developmental approaches to human problems; and expertise in clinical and intervention arenas is a highly relevant home for prevention science. In this chapter, we first present the foundations of prevention science, describing its origins and key constructs. We then focus on "Type 1" translational research: the process of using basic research to develop and test the efficacy of an intervention. Next, we discuss "Type 2" translational research, the process of taking an evidence-based intervention or practice and disseminating it for widespread impact. Finally, we describe new directions that prevention scientists at the cutting edge of the field are exploring.