Some current issues in primary preventive psychiatry

This paper deals with some of the issues that seem to be involved in conceptualizing, constructing, communicating and operating a program of primary psychiatric prevention. It is based on a series of visits to Nova Scotia, February through August 1970 and Israel, August 1971. Some of the issues discussed include difficulties in conceptualizing, defining, hence in teaching, learning and practicing the subjects involved. Cognitive and affective issues among the four groups usually involved in such programs, and some of the ultimate effects of these on the final content and operation of programs, are discussed. All the individuals involved, Sr. Professional Staff, planning and hiring, Jr. Staff, field implementation, authorizing and funding government officials, and the two groups of community residents, participating and non-participating, periodically manifested ambivalence, perceptual, cognitive and affective distortion, resistance, value, method and goal conflicts in every area of program conception, construction, dissemination, funding, staffing and operation.