Prevention Points: What are Protective Factors and Why Do You Need Them?

Each Prevention Point segment will share pointed messages to help readers better understand prevention concepts and guide them to additional information and resources that are responsive and grounded in the needs of people and communities.

Effective prevention is taking action to stop possible challenges before they start, or keep them from getting worse.

What actions to take and even where to begin can be tough to determine. In the past, some prevention efforts relied on scare tactics, one-time talks, or catchy slogans. Even though those strategies were well-intended, they were not effective in making lasting change, missing the mark on what prevention can actually achieve. ₁

The good news is that with decades of research, the field of prevention has evolved. A key lesson learned by researchers at the Colorado State University Prevention Research Center is that prevention needs to meet the unique needs of individuals and communities. One way to do this is to use what we know about risk and protective factors to create programs, practices, and policies that promote healthy development. Nathaniel Riggs, Executive Director of the Center, describes it this way: “It is less about preventing the bad and more about promoting the good, by promoting positive youth development, by promoting self-regulation, by promoting self-awareness, positive decision-making skills, and communication skills.” These skills can all be identified as protective factors.

Let’s break it down by taking a deeper look at protective factors.

What Are Protective Factors?

Protective Factors are qualities and conditions that support our health and well-being; our personal strengths, the relationships in our lives, and the supports in our community. Protective factors act as a shield, buffering against risk. While they do not eliminate every risk or resulting challenge, they provide support that can help us cope with stressors in healthier, more resilient ways.

Dr. David Hawkins and Dr. Richard Catalano developed the risk and protective factor theory on the basis of extensive research on substance use and other challenges. What we can learn from their years of research is that protective factors increase the probability of healthy behaviors among young people. ₂

It is important to remember that protective factors look different for everyone, and protective factors can be strengthened, learned, and built over time as we grow. They are also connected. Sometimes when you build one strength or skill, it can help you grow other strengths.

Where Do Protective Factors Come From?

You

your strengths and your skills – we all have them!

Your Relationships

family, friends, mentors, trusted adults, and caregivers

Your Community

schools, workplaces, faith groups, sports, hobbies, activities, culture

Examples of protective factors include coping skills, sense of purpose, self-confidence, emotional awareness, and problem-solving skills. They can be communication skills, social support, and a healthy routine. Access to care, safe environments, and opportunities to engage and succeed can also be powerful protective factors. The things that you enjoy!

Why Do You Need Protective Factors?

You need them because they support our health and act as a shield, buffering against risk. While they do not eliminate every challenge, they provide support that can help you cope with stressors in healthier, more resilient ways.

The more protective factors that are in place, the better. Unfortunately, protective factors are not experienced equally by everyone. Protective factors are impacted by systemic barriers like racial disparities, access to quality care, discrimination, and racism.

In an optimal environment, everyone would have the benefit of good choice options and protective factors that are securely in place to offset risks.

Where and When Can I Learn More About Protective Factors?

In the next few Prevention Point segments, we will provide more education on identifying and building protective factors.

Until then, we want to hear from you! Tell us about an individual protective factor that has made a difference, a strength or skill that you have that has helped you overcome challenges? A person that you enjoy spending quality time with and turn to when you need help or support? A hobby that supports your wellness at home or in your community?

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