Applying Diffusion of Innovation Theory to Intervention Development

James W. Dearing · 2009 · Research on Social Work Practice

Summary. Diffusion of Innovation Theory provides a robust framework for designing social work interventions that spread effectively. The author reviews seven key concepts—intervention attributes, clusters, demonstration projects, societal sectors, contextual conditions, opinion leadership, and adaptation—that accelerate adoption of evidence-based practices. By applying diffusion principles during intervention design rather than after implementation, social work can increase both internal validity and real-world spread of innovations.

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Dearing, J. W.. (2009). Applying Diffusion of Innovation Theory to Intervention Development. Research on Social Work Practice. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731509335569

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  title   = {Applying Diffusion of Innovation Theory to Intervention Development},
  author  = {James W. Dearing},
  journal = {Research on Social Work Practice},
  year    = {2009},
  doi     = {10.1177/1049731509335569},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731509335569}
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Details

DOI: 10.1177/1049731509335569
Countries: United States
Regions: North America
Categories: innovation-theory, general-innovation
Added: 2026-04-28