Best Research

Protective Factors Work!

Protective factors are those aspects of a teen's life that are associated with a reduced risk of engaging in violence or other behaviors dangerous to oneself or to others. Conversely, risk factors are associated with an increased likelihood of violence or other behaviors that threaten health and wellbeing. Protective and risk factors are often mirror images of each other. Identifying and promoting protective factors is critical in fostering healthy youth development practices.

Protective factors include:

• Community involvement in youth
• Family involvement with youth
• Individual characteristics of youth
• School Connectedness

The Konopka Institute for Best Practices in Adolescent Health and the State Adolescent Health Resource Center, both located within the University of Minnesota's Department of Pediatrics, have collected and disseminated extensive research on healthy youth and adolescent development. To learn more, visit the Division of Adolescent Health's Publications page.