influences that make it less likely that a person will be adversely effected by stressors, by modifying their response to the environmental stressor.
Those factors that 'produce a resilience to the development of psychological difficulties in the face of adverse risk factors' (Spence, 1996, p. 5).
factors that make it less likely that individuals will develop a disorder; protective factors may encompass biological, psychological or social factors in the individual, family and environment
Conditions that buffer young people from the negative consequences of exposure to risk factors—factors that can lead to adolescent problem behaviors—either by reducing the impact of the risk or by changing the way a person responds to the risk; for example, youth bonding with a positive adult role model is a protective factor. (For a more detailed discussion, see the Planning chapter).
Factors that give people resilience in the face of adversity and moderate the impact of stress and transient symptoms on the person's social and emotional wellbeing. Protective factors reduce the likelihood that a disorder will develop.
Characteristics generally associated with families that do not experience family violence. Such characteristics indicate that these families cope well with the stresses of everyday life. The presence of these factors does not mean that family violence cannot occur, nor do the factors themselves necessarily reduce the risk of family violence.
Strengths and resources that appear to mediate or serve as a "buffer" against risk factors that contribute to vulnerability to maltreatment or against the negative effects of maltreatment experiences.
