As a parent or caregiver, you understand that the challenges young people face today are more complex than ever. Research shows that “protective factors” can make a meaningful difference in helping young people manage challenges and maintain emotional balance.
What are Protective Factors?
Protective factors include the benefits you and your young person can experience through supportive relationships, personal coping skills, cultural identity, faith, and community engagement. These aspects of life and the relationships, learning, and skills they foster can serve as a buffer against mental health and well-being challenges.
Protective factors fall into several categories, including Personal, Relational (family and peers), and Communal (community engagement). Think of these factors as counterweights that can help a young person and their loved ones balance stress and adversity.
Protective Factor Toolkits
The Steve Fund has created Protective Factors Toolkits to help you and your young person THRIVE as you support your mental health and emotional well-being every day.
