Empowerment: An emerging mental health technology

Abstract
This paper addresses the theory and practice of empowerment as an emerging mental health technology, as well as its relationship to prevention. The paper begins with a discussion of the increasing interest in empowerment by preventionists. Definitional issues are then considered; in this context the disparate philosophical world views of empowerment and prevention are outlined. Next, attention is directed to emprowerment in practice. This section is followed by a discussion of possible roles for professionals in empowerment activities. The paper ends with a note of caution to mental health professionals who plan to use the emerging technology of empowerment.