Primary prevention in childhood and adolescence: basic principles of evolutionary psychology

On account of the limited experience and consequently the inadequate problem-solving skills, it is difficult for children to face problems and crises, and to behave accordingly. Especially in transition stages of development (admission to school, physical maturation and commencement of working life) they are more vulnerable. These burdens bear the risk that children and adolescents, due to a lack of coping strategies, would look for solutions that are dangerous to health or dangerous ways of behaviour, which they prefer over the most prudent ways of healthy behaviour. The purpose of this study was to approach, analyze and ultimately examine primary prevention in childhood and adolescence based on the principles of Evolutionary Psychology in order to help promote the health of children and adolescents. The method adopted for this study was a review of the relevant literature. On the basis of this study and from the research on risk and protective factors, it is clear that on the one hand there are risk factors that can disrupt childhood and adolescent development but on the other hand there is a series of protective factors that can help children and young people in building a strong and resilient personality. However, when designing prevention programs, one should not take into account only those bases of Evolutionary Psychology for childhood and adolescence but rather also specific aspects on each gender. We should consider, for example, that boys tend to be more oriented to conflict (aggressiveness, alcohol abuse or drug abuse), while girls tend more to resignation syndromes (psychosomatic annoyances, depressions, and emaciation). The material and objectives of gender-specific prevention programs can be formed separately, for example having access to girl groups and boy groups. On the one hand, therefore, gender differences must be considered seriously. On the other hand, however, feminine elements should be included in prevention work for boys and vice versa.