The Critical Role of Nurturing Environments for Promoting Human Well-Being

The recent Institute of Medicine report on prevention ( National Research Council & Institute of Medicine, 2009 ) noted the substantial interrelationship among mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders and pointed out that, to a great extent, these problems stem from a set of common conditions...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American psychologist 2012-05, Vol.67 (4), p.257-271
Main Authors: Biglan, Anthony, Flay, Brian R, Embry, Dennis D, Sandler, Irwin N
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological
Behavior Disorders
Behavior Problems
Behavioural disorders
Behavioural problems
Caring
Development
Emotional Problems
Emotional-Behavioural problems
Emotions
Environment
Evidence
Health Promotion
Helping Relationship
Holistic Approach
Human
Human Development
Humans
Mental Disorders
Mental Disorders - prevention & control
Mental Health
Need Gratification
Physiology
Positive Reinforcement
Prevalence
Prevention
Prosocial Behavior
Psychological factors
Psychological Needs
Psychology
Public Health
Relationship
Research councils
Social Behavior
Social conditions
Social Environment
Social Environments
Strategic planning
Well Being
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Summary:The recent Institute of Medicine report on prevention ( National Research Council & Institute of Medicine, 2009 ) noted the substantial interrelationship among mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders and pointed out that, to a great extent, these problems stem from a set of common conditions. However, despite the evidence, current research and practice continue to deal with the prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders as if they are unrelated and each stems from different conditions. This article proposes a framework that could accelerate progress in preventing these problems. Environments that foster successful development and prevent the development of psychological and behavioral problems are usefully characterized as nurturing environments. First, these environments minimize biologically and psychologically toxic events. Second, they teach, promote, and richly reinforce prosocial behavior, including self-regulatory behaviors and all of the skills needed to become productive adult members of society. Third, they monitor and limit opportunities for problem behavior. Fourth, they foster psychological flexibility-the ability to be mindful of one's thoughts and feelings and to act in the service of one's values even when one's thoughts and feelings discourage taking valued action. We review evidence to support this synthesis and describe the kind of public health movement that could increase the prevalence of nurturing environments and thereby contribute to the prevention of most mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. This article is one of three in a special section (see also Muñoz Beardslee, & Leykin, 2012 ; Yoshikawa, Aber, & Beardslee, 2012 ) representing an elaboration on a theme for prevention science developed by the 2009 report of the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine.
ISSN:0003-066X
1935-990X
DOI:10.1037/a0026796