The Three Basic Categories of Protective Factors

Individual Characteristics

Research has identified four individual characteristics as protective factors. These are characteristics children are born with and are difficult to change: gender, a resilient temperament, a positive social orientation, and intelligence. Intelligence, however, does not protect against substance abuse.

Bonding

Positive bonding makes up for many other disadvantages caused by other risk factors or environmental characteristics. 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. Studies of successful children who live in high risk neighborhoods or situations indicate that strong bonds with a care giver can keep children from getting into trouble.

To build bonding, three conditions are necessary: opportunities, skills and recognition. Children must be provided with opportunities to contribute to their community, family, peers, and school. The challenge is to provide children with meaningful opportunities that help them feel responsible and significant.

Children must be taught the skills necessary to effectively take advantage of the opportunity they are provided. If they don’t have the necessary skills to be successful, they experience frustration and/or failure. Children must also be recognized and acknowledged for their efforts. This gives them the incentive to contribute and reinforces their skillful performance.

Healthy beliefs and clear standards

The people to whom youth are bonded need to have clear positive standards for behavior. The content of these standards is what protects young people. 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.