Risk and Protective Factors in Youth
Risk and protective factors are elements of a social environment that influence the behaviors of children and youth. Decades of research have shown that certain risk factors are associated with increased likelihood of unhealthy behaviors including alcohol and drug use, violence and delinquency. Similarly, positive experiences and conditions may protect against risk factors. Youth are influenced by family, community, school and peers.
• Protective factors promote positive development and resilience in youth. In 2006, 56% of King County 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students reported 5 or more protective factors. (figure 1, figure 2)
• However, almost one out of every 5 students (18%) reported 0-2 protective factors (data not shown).
• The level of protective factors was similar in King County and Washington State (data not shown).
• King County youth who reported a greater number of protective factors were less likely to use alcohol and drugs. The same relationship was found statewide (data not shown).
• Risk factors may be associated with risky decision-making or harmful behaviors.
• King County 10th and 12th graders were less likely than Washington State 10th and 12th graders to believe that “handguns are easily available” or to feel that “community laws and norms are favorable to drug use”. All other factors were similar (data not shown). (figure 3)
• In 2006, 15% of King County 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students reported 10 or more risk factors. 62% of students reported 5 or fewer risk factors. (figure 4)
• King County youth who experience a higher number of risk factors were more likely to use alcohol and drugs. The same relationship was found statewide (data not shown).
Data Source, Definitions, and Limitations
Information on risk and protective factors comes from the 2006 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey which is conducted every two years. Many King County schools participated, but not the same schools each survey year. Risk and protective factors are measured using a series of over 100 questions. Individual questions are combined to measure presence or absence of factors. Sample questionnaires are available at www.askhys.net . A limitation of these data is that the questions have not been asked in a consistent way over the years, making it difficult to track changes over time.
