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The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research
Published in: The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research 2/2015

01-04-2015

A Theory of Change for Positive Developmental Approaches to Improving Outcomes Among Emerging Adults with Serious Mental Health Conditions

Author: Janet S. Walker, PhD

Published in: The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research | Issue 2/2015

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Abstract

Recent evidence attests to the shortcomings of typical services for improving outcomes among emerging adults with serious mental health conditions (SMHCs). Researchers and providers have responded by developing new programs and interventions for meeting the unique needs of these young people. A significant number of these programs and interventions can be described as taking a positive developmental approach, which is informed by a combination of theoretical sources, including theories of positive development, self-determination, ecological systems, and social capital. To date, however, there has been no comprehensive theoretical statement describing how or why positive change should occur as a result of using a positive developmental approach when intervening with this population. The goal of this article is to propose a general model that “backfills” a theory behind what appears to be an effective and increasingly popular approach to improving outcomes among emerging adults with SMHCs.
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Metadata
Title
A Theory of Change for Positive Developmental Approaches to Improving Outcomes Among Emerging Adults with Serious Mental Health Conditions
Author
Janet S. Walker, PhD
Publication date
01-04-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 1094-3412
Electronic ISSN: 2168-6793
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-015-9455-x

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