A Journey to Culture of Prevention: Let’s Start with the (Dis)Belief in Prevention

An important aspect in dealing with racism and other problem behaviors is the topic of prevention, i.e., initiations that try to prevent negative social relationships. However, in spite of its importance with in the emerging field of prevention science, the study of beliefs about the ability to prevent personal and interpersonal negative behaviors is underdeveloped. However, there is a possibility that some of the people are reluctant to act against such negative behaviors because they simply don’t believe that such behaviors are preventable, i.e., they have an implicit theory about the utility of prevention efforts. The present chapter describes the results of a qualitative study in which this possibility has been explored in the context of high schools and specifically with regard to the possibility of preventing adolescents’ problem behaviors. Practically, eight in-depth group interviews were conducted with either adolescents or their teachers (total N = 36) of different ages, gender, and religious backgrounds (Muslim, Christian, Druze, and Jews). The study findings indicate similar explanations and perceptions across all sectors, except for major cultural differences. It is concluded that under certain conditions, a general disbelief in prevention might prevail and shape the person’s collaboration with prevention efforts.