Risk and protective factors for youth and their mental health
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EmailMost youth have both risk and protective factors that affect their experiences in life. A competent and consistent adult is one of the most important protective factors in a young person's life and mental health.
Most of us interact with youth in some capacity, whether personally as a parent or family member or professionally as a teacher, coach or mentor. Do you know that you can make a big difference in a young person’s life by just being competent, knowledgeable and consistent? These characteristics can decrease the likelihood of negative outcomes in a young person’s future.
As a young person grows and develops, they have a host of life experiences which can become predictors of outcomes. These outcomes can range from academic achievements to behaviors, habits and even mental health challenges. Successes and challenges can be attributed to a variety of circumstances which include risk and protective factors. Risk factors can increase the likelihood of negative outcomes, while protective factors can decrease the likelihood of negative outcomes or reduce the impact of risk factors.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines risk factors as characteristics at the biological, psychological, family, community or cultural level that precede and are associated with a higher likelihood of negative outcomes. They define protective factors as characteristics associated with a lower likelihood of negative outcomes or that reduce a risk factor’s impact. Protective factors may be seen as positive countering events.
Here are some examples of risk factors for mental health challenges in youth:
- Circumstances that impact self-esteem such as obesity, long-term bullying, or peer pressure.
- Being a survivor of violence or abuse.
- Learning difference or unique learning style.
- Chronic physical illness such as cancer, diabetes or asthma.
- LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, queer/questioning, intersex and asexual) in an unsupportive environment.
As mentioned, protective factors can lower the likelihood of challenging outcomes. Here are some examples of protective factors for mental health challenges in youth. Adults and caregivers can assist youth in developing the following skills that can decrease risk factors in their lives.
- Positive interactions with peers.
- Emotional self-regulation.
- Supportive relationships with family members.
- Effective problem-solving skills.
- Sense of community or belonging.
In addition to the examples listed, community service and engagement are other important protective factors. Youth who participate in community programs and services that give back and express gratitude are more likely to form positive relationships with peers and adults, resulting in one of the most important protective factors which is having competent and consistent adults in their lives. Competent and consistent adults can be family members, mentors, coaches, teachers, neighbors and even 4-H leaders. These competent and consistent caregivers play a large part in modeling positive behaviors that form protective factors for youth.
Adults, Michigan State University Extension reminds you of the importance of how you show up for the youth in your lives. Your interactions may be key in determining their protective or risk factors. A young person’s protective factors increase if adults are competent and consistent, which can lower the likelihood of difficult outcomes including mental health challenges.
For more information on positive youth development and ways to support youth, visit the Michigan 4-H website.
