Certified Prevention Specialist CPS Practice Exam

What is the "denial" phase of community readiness?

1. The community might recognize substance abuse as a problem, in general, but does not acknowledge that it is a problem for them, specifically.

2. The community does not admit that substance abuse is a problem.

3. The community does not believe prevention programming of any kind can be of assistance to them.

4. The community might acknowledge substance abuse exists in their community, but does not see it as a problem.

The correct answer is: The community might recognize substance abuse as a problem, in general, but does not acknowledge that it is a problem for them, specifically.

The denial phase of community readiness is characterized by a lack of acknowledgment that substance abuse is a specific issue affecting the community, despite a general awareness of the problem on a broader scale. This phase reflects a disconnect where community members may understand that substance abuse is a nationwide concern or an issue that affects other communities, but they don’t see it as relevant or impactful within their own community context. This understanding is crucial because it highlights the importance of tailoring prevention efforts. When communities are in this phase, strategies should focus on raising awareness about how substance abuse specifically affects them, promoting data that illustrates the local impact, and fostering discussions that help shift the perception from general acknowledgment to a specific recognition of the issue at hand. Recognizing this phase helps prevention specialists understand where to focus their efforts to engage the community more effectively in addressing the issue.