Protective Factors

Protective factors are conditions that buffer young people from the negative consequences of exposure to risks by either reducing the impact of the risk or changing the way a person responds to the risk. Consequently, enhancing protective factors can reduce the likelihood of problem behaviors arising.

Protective factors include: Individual characteristics that children are born with and are difficult to change (e.g. gender, a resilient temperament, a positive social orientation, and intelligence). Intelligence, however, does not protect against substance abuse. Positive bonding of children who are attached to positive families, friends, school, and community, and who are committed to achieving the goals valued by these groups are less likely to develop problems in adolescence. To build bonding, three conditions are necessary: opportunities, skills, and recognition. Healthy beliefs and clear standards When parents, teachers, and communities set clear standards for children's behavior, when they are widely and consistently supported, and when the consequences for not following the standards are consistent, young people are more likely to follow the standards.