Preventive and Promotive Interventions for Young Children with Psychological Problems

Psychological research on preventive intervention and promotion of mental health of children has been gaining impetus over the last few decades. This chapter presents key concepts of preventive mental health as applicable to working with young children between the ages of 0 to 6 years. The context of preventive child mental health in India has been clarified by briefly tracing models of child development, empirical studies and national policies and programmes. Recent research focussing on modes of prevention and wellness promotion has been reviewed. The studies reviewed have far-reaching implications for promotion of mental health among young children at various levels. Directions for future research that have been derived from the analysis have been outlined.