Discussion post

Risk and protective factors

Risk factors are defined as determinants or factors in a young person’s environment due to
engaging in health-compromising activities, which increases the probability of a negative
outcome. They are present in all areas of social development such as communities, schools
(peer and individual pressure), and families, and are consistent in effects across cultures and
races (Cahir et al., 2003).
On the other hand, protective factors are factors or characteristics that decrease the likelihood
of a negative outcome. If protective factors are present in a young person’s development
environment, it provides a shield between the individual and the development of behaviors
that compromise their health and these factors diminish the impact of risk factors. A risk
factor, for example, eating junk food together with a sedentary lifestyle increases the
likelihood of obesity and cardiovascular disease whereas walking or taking regular exercise is
a protective factor that reduces the chances of putting your health at risk (Cahir et al., 2003).
Risk and protective factors are evident in all areas of children’s lives which can be present
from the prenatal to teenage years. Different factors can be recognizable at different stages
during development (Hawkins & Catalano, 2005).
Both risk and protective factors can be identified in various ways –
- Focus groups can help understand the challenges more thoroughly. Focus groups
consist of small groups of people from similar backgrounds, who are comfortable
talking openly about their concerns without feeling judged. The group members are
usually people of the same ethnicity, sex, and age. The participants from the group can
discuss what factors they believe contribute to the risk and protection of the concern
(Center for Community Health and Development, n.d.).
- Gathering data and information from previous research studies can help identify the
risk and protective issues within your community (Center for Community Health and
Development, n.d.).
- Conducting a youth survey can also be a good source to establish the factors
(Hawkins & Catalano, 2005).
What is the purpose of identifying these issues?
Both the risk and protective factors can have a major influence on a person’s life and
community. Being aware of these factors can help predict outcomes and put preventative
measures in place to avoid children and young people taking the wrong path. Thus, the
purpose of identifying these is to help change the behaviors of young individuals and give
them the appropriate skills (cognitive, social, emotional, and behavior) to help them deal
effectively with the challenges and stressful situations they encounter. Reducing the risk and
increasing the protective factors can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome for the
individual and community concerned (Hawkins & Catalano, 2005).
What influence do these factors have on community development?
Identifying and knowing the risk and protective factors can help communities understand
what they have to do to prevent problems behaviors and harmful health outcomes.
Risk factors can have devasting results for a community as the more risk factors in existence
the higher chance of young people having problem behaviors. Eliminating the problem
behaviors, changing the adolescent's habits, and getting them positively involved in their
community’s activities, promotes a healthy and safe community for all and the young people
are more inclined to live according to the standards of behavior within the community and
adopt a healthier lifestyle (Hawkins & Catalano, 2005).
Protective factors safeguard exposure to risks. Increasing positive factors assist communities
in encouraging positive youth development even if risks are present. The protective factors
also promote healthy family bonding which in turn has a positive impact on a community as
it restricts the likelihood of a negative outcome (Cahir et al., 2003).
In conclusion:
To have a healthy, safe community it is important to understand people’s behaviors by
identifying and eliminating risk factors which will increase the protective factors leading to a
cohesive community.
Question: I work in schools and the first thing I do is teach the students social skills and how
to behave in society from as young as one year old. Eventually, the children behave well but
this isn’t consistent as other teachers don’t do this. How can we get everyone to teach these
important skills consistently?
References
Cahir, S., Davies, L., Deany, P., Tange C., Toumbourou, J., Williams, J., & Rosicka, R.
(2003). Introducing communities that care. Retrieved April 22, 2003, from
https://www.communitiesthatcare.org.au/sites/default/files/files/images/
introducing_communities_that_care.pdf
Center for Community Health and Development. (n.d.). Chapter 2, Section 19: Understanding
risk and protective factors: Their use in selecting potential targets and promising strategies for
intervention. The University of Kansas. Retrieved, April 22, 2023, from the Community Tool
Box: https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/analyze/choose-and-adapt-community-
interventions/risk-and-protective-factors/main
Hawkins, J. D., & Catalano, R. F. (2005). Investing in your community's youth - social
development. Retrieved April 23, 2023, from
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/29534087/investing-in-your-communitys-youth-
social-development-