Commentary: Enabling efficient and full application of prevention strategies for population mental health - reflections on Dodge (2020).

Abstract

Dodge (2020) provides a challenging and compelling formulation for more systematic determination of prevention component selection. The essay reminds us that population impact should be front and center in prevention specifically and public health organization in general. Dodge brings forth numerous issues in the science and the application of knowledge about prevention that warrant more research support and study. These issues include the need to recognize the existence of and increase the number of proven programs, the need for better and more extensive knowledge about impact variation across populations, and more attention to strengths and capabilities as guides for prevention. His essay also reminds us of the nuance and complexities in attempting to compare effect sizes and cost-benefit ratios of universal versus selective efforts. In addition, he provides compelling rationale for formalization of how prevention is organized and implemented in local community efforts. Further, in refocusing on the centrality of population effects in intervention application, Dodge also reminds us of the attendant principles of health equity and social justice in how we implement and judge the benefits of interventions. This essay provides a compelling argument for a strategy to realize the potential of the accumulating evidence of prevention as vital for addressing mental health and development.