Gerald Patterson's and Marion Forgatch's Scientific and Social Justice Legacy in the Prevention Field.

Parent Management Training-the Oregon Model (PMTO), with its strong evidence base and platform for worldwide research, constitutes an important legacy for prevention science. Such a legacy is attributed in significant ways to the leadership of the original developers of the model. Two of them in particular, Gerald Patterson and Marion Forgatch, have touched the lives of many families benefiting from various versions of PMTO, as well as generations of scholars representing many backgrounds. This TED-talk represents a tribute to both. To Jerry, who recently left this earth but who continues to be alive in the hearts of many; and to Marion, who continues to embrace the fight for social justice through her extraordinary commitment to underserved populations, and her mentoring and empowering of prevention scientists throughout the world. In this TED talk, prevention scientists who have been touched by Jerry’s and Marion’s legacy, will discuss PMTO research embedded within their process of growth as scientists as influenced by these PMTO leaders. Thus, rather than focusing on details of individual programs of research, each presenter will reflect on how Jerry’s and Marion’s research and mentoring has influenced their prevention science career, work on the model, and commitment to social justice.

Examples of PMTO programs of prevention research to be discussed by presenters will include studies with: a) low-income families in Mexico, b) low-income Latino/a immigrant families in the U.S., c) refugee families in the U.S., d) military families coping with the stress of deployment and reintegration, e) mothers in Uganda affected by psychological trauma related to war, and f) and nationwide dissemination of PMTO in international contexts (e.g., Iceland, Norway). In essence, this TED talk will serve as a space to celebrate the life of these PMTO leaders and to reflect on the power of human connection and relationships when embracing the dream of contributing to the world through rigorous science. By addressing these issues, presenters will reflect about the ways in which the future of prevention science rests in the integration of solid science, a commitment to train the next generation of prevention scholars, nurturing relationships, and a resolve to embrace social justice. By reflecting on Jerry and Marion’s legacy through the presenters’ professional paths and programs of research, we expect to honor the legacy received by these prevention scientists and offer relevant reflections for the future of the prevention field.