Protective factors
Planning to prevent abuse by focusing on developing the Protective factors within the School Context is an effective way for schools to significantly support the healthy development of children. These are identified in Table 2.
Table 2 Protective factors potentially influencing the development of mental health problems and mental disorders in individuals (particularly children) Pathways to Prevention Report (National Crime Prevention Authority, 1999)
| Child Factors | Family Factors | School Context | Life Events | Community and Cultural Factors |
|---|
Social competence Social skills Above average intelligence Attachment to family Empathy Problem solving Optimism School achievement Easy temperament Internal focus of control Moral beliefs Values Self-related cognitions Good coping style | Supportive, caring parents Family harmony More than two years between siblings Responsibility for chores or required helpfulness Secure and stable family Supportive relationship with other adult Small family size Strong family norms and morality | Positive school climate Pro-social peer group Responsibility and required helpfulness Sense of belonging/ bonding Opportunities for some success at school and recognition of achievement School norms concerning violence | Meeting significant person Moving to new area Opportunities at critical turning points or major life transitions | Access to support services Community networking Attachment to the community Participation in church or other community group Community and cultural norms against violence A strong cultural identity and ethnic pride |
Author: Dr Marea Nicholson
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