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The longitudinal research base for early intervention
Author(s) -
Watt Norman F.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/1520-6629(197904)7:2<158::aid-jcop2290070210>3.0.co;2-4
Subject(s) - deviance (statistics) , intervention (counseling) , psychology , mental health , psychiatry , psychosis , action (physics) , empirical research , public health , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , medicine , nursing , epistemology , quantum mechanics , mathematics , philosophy , statistics , physics
The question is raised whether there is a sound empirical research basis for early identification of psychoses and active efforts to prevent them or moderate their severity. Retrospective evidence is presented for historical continuity of deviance in the lives of many psychotic adults. Two promising avenues of early intervention are discussed. One focuses on the children of psychotic parents, who are known to have an elevated risk for psychosis. The other is directed at emotionally deviant children in public schools. Major obstacles to effective social action toward these aims are considered, the most forbidding confronting prospective intervention in the public schools. Recommendations for action by mental health professionals are offered.