Community Event: The Science of Child Mental Health Prevention: Evolving a More Caring Society

Judge Baker Children's Center
Child Mental Health Forum

Anthony Biglan, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Oregon Research Institute

An emerging convergence in the human sciences can guide the evolution of more caring societies. Biological and behavioral research has produced an integrated understanding of the biological and social conditions needed to ensure the successful development of children and adolescents. A growing body of experimental evidence has identified family, school, and community interventions that are capable of nurturing development from the prenatal period through adolescence. Increasingly research is turning to how these interventions can be widely and effectively implemented.  At the same time, research in economics, political science, and sociology has delineated key features of the larger social context, including especially the recent evolution of corporate capitalism, that are more distal, but nonetheless critical influences on the wellbeing of young people. This converging understanding provides a framework for intentional efforts to evolve societies that have fewer psychological and behavioral disorders, less crime, less academic failure and much higher levels of prosociality. Using the techniques that dramatically altered the culture of cigarette smoking in the U.S., we can begin to create communities in which virtually every young person arrives at adulthood with the habits and values needed to live a productive life in caring relationships with others.

Target Audience: Physicians (psychiatrists, pediatricians, child neurologists), psychologists, social workers, other mental health clinicians and researchers, and students and trainees. Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to (1) cmhf@jbcc.harvard.edu or call (617) 278-4104. Physicians: The Harvard Medical School is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Harvard Medical School designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Psychologists: The Children's Hospital Boston Psychology Division is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Children's Hospital Boston Psychology Division maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Social Workers: Application for social work continuing education credits will be submitted shortly. (Revised: 8/20/2013)

CMHF webpage: http://www.jbcc.harvard.edu/events/forum.htm