Promotion

234 MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION
significance and effect size. Particularly useful where several studies have been
done that are individually too small to give convincing results.
Micro: individual level
Modelling: a concept within social learning theory. The process by which a behaviour
is observed and imitated. Many health behaviours are learned through modelling
on others.
Paradigm: an agreed way of looking at and interpreting the world or an area of study.
A paradigm is drawn on in defining the nature and process of investigation.
Frequently used to describe approaches to research e.g. positivist v interpretivist
paradigm. See Kuhn* for discussion of paradigms.
Positivism: a philosophical position which states that objective accounts of the world
can be produced and causal patterns and theories tested through scientific method.
Positivist belief: that there is one single ‘truth’ about mental health.
Randomized controlled trial: this is a controlled experimental research design used to
test an hypothesis. Seen to be superior to other methods for testing cause-effect
relationships. Those taking part are divided through a process of randomization
into experimental and control conditions. There is an assumption that randomization
ensures that confounding factors are equally distributed between the two
conditions. Results can be generalized if conditions of internal and external
validity are met (Gomm and Davies 2000).
Reductionist: refers to a theory that any complex system can be fully understood in
terms of its simple, component parts
Self-efficacy: the extent to which individuals believe themselves to be capable of a
specified action or behaviour.
Self-esteem: the value which an individual places on the set of beliefs held about
him/herself. The set of beliefs are the self-concept and the attitude towards them is
the self-esteem. It is a subjective experience which an individual conveys to others
by verbal reports and other expressive actions.
Social constructionist: the belief that there are many ‘truths’ about mental health.
Social constructivism: a general term applied to theories that emphasize the socially
created nature of social life. These approaches emphasize the idea that society is
actively and creatively produced by human beings rather than being given or taken
for granted and governed by universal laws. Social worlds are interpretive nets
woven by individuals and groups. Constructivism is informed by the work of
the Chicago sociologists – phenomenologists such as Shutz, Mead, Berger and
Luckman, and Lincoln and Guba (see Marshall 1998).
Social exclusion: the result of living in a society but not being able to take part in the
normal activities undertaken by citizens in that society. Normal activities are
defined as: a reasonable standard of living; a certain degree of security; involvement
in activities valued by others; decision-making powers; and the possibility of
support from family, friends and community (Burchardt et al. 1999).
Social inclusion: being able to take part in the normal activities of society as defined
above under social exclusion.
Victim blaming: to attribute health problems chiefly to individuals and to neglect the
influence of social, economic and environmental factors.
* For example: Kuhn, T.S. (1970) The Structure of Scientific Revolution. Chicago: Chicago University Press.