The authors reviewed scores of primary prevention programs to identify preventive interventions that had undergone quasi-experimental or randomized trials and been found to reduce symptoms of psychopathology (aggression, depression, or anxiety) or factors commonly associated with an increased risk for later mental disorders. In this review, the authors identify and describe 34 universal and targeted interventions that have demonstrated positive outcomes under rigorous evaluation. The authors go on to examine common characteristics of successful prevention programs and make recommendations based on these characteristics for policy and practice in school- and community-based prevention of childhood psychopathology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2000 APA, all rights reserved)