Abstract
Transdisciplinary scientific collaborations (TDSCs) have the potential to strengthen substance use and misuse research and prevention. Despite its growing prominence as a mode for scientific research, research on TDSC remains in a nascent form and its value to the field of substance use and misuse merits further exploration. The overarching purpose of this article is to examine the potential contributions of transdisciplinary science to research and prevention using conceptualizations, methods, and evidence from a case study of two university-based research centers. The article provides (a) a discussion of the societal context and historical developments that have prompted increasing interest in TDSC; (b) a definition and conceptualization of TDSC; (c) a methodological approach for studying TDSC; (d) initial findings from the case study that reflect instances of transdisciplinary intellectual integration and it examines implications of these methods and findings for future research and policy development relevant to substance use and misuse.
Highlights
Substance use and misuse remain prevalent in the United States and throughout the world despite basic research and intervention efforts to ameliorate the problem
To address the lack of complete success from prior efforts and to address the persistent health and social problems associated with substance use and misuse, a new mode for scientific research is receiving increasing attention among scholars and policy makers: transdisciplinary scientific collaboration (TDSC), a concept first mentioned in the introduction of this series (Sussman et al, 2004)
The collaborative research examples presented in the preceding section highlight several important aspects of transdisciplinary research that are relevant for research in substance misuse
Summary
Substance use and misuse remain prevalent in the United States and throughout the world despite basic research and intervention efforts to ameliorate the problem. To address the lack of complete success from prior efforts and to address the persistent health and social problems associated with substance use and misuse, a new mode for scientific research is receiving increasing attention among scholars and policy makers: transdisciplinary scientific collaboration (TDSC), a concept first mentioned in the introduction of this series (Sussman et al, 2004). The intractability of the development of addictions to substances such as tobacco is partly attributable to the fact that they are multiply determined, complex problems that require a broad, cross-disciplinary research and prevention approach, rather than a single disciplinary perspective. The same statements have been made elsewhere regarding other substances (Petratis et al, 1995; Sussman and Ames, 2001)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
