Risk and Protective Factors
The "risk and protective factor" model for prevention was pioneered by Dr. David Hawkins and Dr. Richard Catalano at the Social Development Research Group at the University of Washington. Assessing a community's risk and protective factors is an integral part of a needs assessment.
| Community Risk Factors | Community Protective Factors |
Drugs/alcohol are easy to obtain Drugs/underage drinking laws are inadequate or poorly enforced Community is disordered |
Opportunities for bonding with and engaging in activities with family, school and community Anti-drug/anti-underage drinking community norms Community norms on alcohol that de-glamorize its use, restrict advertising Awareness of laws Low prevalence of neighborhood crime |
| School Risk Factors | School Protective Factors |
Early and persistent antisocial behavior Academic failure beginning in late elementary school Lack of commitment to school |
Academic success The reinforcement of life skills and drug/alcohol refusal skills Strong student bonds to the school Students have an identity and sense of achievement |
| Family Risk Factors | Family Protective Factors |
| Parental drug use Neutral or favorable parental attitude toward drug/alcohol use A family history of substance abuse Family structure and function problems |
Strong bonds with the family Parental monitoring with clear rules of conduct within the family unit Involvement of parents in the lives of their children |
| Individual/Peer Risk Factors | Individual/Peer Protective Factors |
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Biological predisposition Shy, aggressive and irritable temperament at a young age Mental disorders Sensation seeking personality and behaviors Low sense of self-esteem Alienation and rebelliousness; anti-social attitudes Early alcohol, tobacco and other drug use Underestimation of the harm of drug/alcohol use Friends who use drugs/alcohol, who favor drug/alcohol use, and/or have anti-social norms or attitudes |
Effective socialization skills Positive peer relationships Self-esteem Involvement in religious and pro-social activities |
Source: Hawkins, J.D., Catalano, R.R., and Miller, J.Y. (1992). Risk and protective factors for alcohol and other drug problems in adolescence and early adulthood: Implications for substance-abuse prevention. Psychological Bulletin, 112(1), 64-105.
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