Factors that influence mental health in young people cont.
– Family difficulties around adapting to a child’s changing needs as they reach adolescence – Parental illness – Parental involvement in crime (70) Protective factors Whilst the factors outlined in the previous section can be risk factors in the development of poor mental health, many can also act as protective factors. This can be through supportive traditions, family and community networks, and positive relationships. For example, religious belief and spiritual practice may support positive mental health by helping a young person to feel connected to something bigger than themselves, or through encouraging strength, hope or feelings of acceptance and good self-esteem (49). The more protective factors a person has the less likely it is that they will develop poor mental health. Risk and protective factors can be ongoing in a young person’s life, or they might be influenced by past experiences. While we cannot change past events, by focusing on which protective factors can be strengthened or newly developed we can support both our own and others’ wellbeing and recovery. Examples of protective factors include: A young person’s characteristics – Good social skills – Good problem-solving skills – Balanced temperament – Healthy attachment to family
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