protective and risk factors

Positive self concept and psychological traits

Characteristics such as high self-esteem, optimism, and self-efficacy are protective because they help adolescents manage setbacks and challenges with resilience

Strong family and social support:

relationships and friendships protect adolescents from risks during this stage. A supportive family and social support provide guidance, emotional warmth, and help

Healthy habits and routines

Behaviors such as getting sufficient sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise contribute not only to physical health but also to emotional stability. An adolescent who is well-rested and well-nourished is more resilient to stress and can concentrate better in school

Positive school and community environment:

Schools that provide supportive teachers, a safe atmosphere (free from bullying and discrimination), and opportunities for achievements (like clubs, honors, sports) help protect the students. A student who feels connected to school and sees school as a positive place is less likely to engage in delinquency

Access to mentors and health services

Having nonparent adults to turn to can protect adolescents by providing advice and support they might not get elsewhere. Access to mental health services is also a protective factor, providing early support for adolescents experiencing depression, trauma, or other emotional concerns

Poor family support or a dysfunctional family environment

In the Philippines, families typically serve as the primary support system for adolescents. But when family relationships are strained-for example, due to constant conflict, very authoritarian parenting, neglect, or parental absence-adolescents may lack a crucial protective anchor

Poverty and economic hardship:

Socioeconomic problems can pose significant risks. Adolescents from families experiencing severe economic hardship might have to work long hours or face malnutrition, limiting their time and energy for school and personal growth

Negative peer influence and peer pressure:

Peer relationships exert a significant influence during adolescence. If an adolescent's peer group engages in risky behaviors (such as drug use, underage drinking, or delinquency), there is an increasing likelihood of conforming to risky behaviors

Mental health issues and unhealthy coping:

Certain vulnerabilities may be linked to individual traits, such as difficulties with self-control or impulsivity. Traits like poor self-control or impulsivity can make adolescents more vulnerable to accidents or substance use

Exposure to adversity or violence:

Experiencing abuse and domestic violence can greatly harm an adolescent's development. These traumatic experiences raise stress levels and can lead to mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety

Physiological development

refers to the physical and biological changes and growth that occur in one's body. In late adolescence, most of the dramatic changes of puberty have occurred. Healthy habits are crucial protective factors for physiological development. These include nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and avoidance of harmful substances

Cognitive development

involves changes in thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving activities. As the prefrontal cortex fully develops, thinking and decision-making become more complex and abstract

Psychological development

Strengthening the self in this domain means building a positive, realistic self-image, that is, increasing congruence between one's real self (who they actually are, with their present traits, feelings, and limitations) and ideal self (who they aspire to be in terms of values, skills, and social roles) while also developing social skills and values that allow them to function well in society (

Emotional development

on the other hand, centers on gaining better control over your emotions and learning how to express and cope with them in healthy ways. Emotions during adolescence can be intense and sometimes overwhelming. Adolescents may experience rapid shifts from the highest highs to the lowest lows, sometimes within a single day. Emotional self-regulation is a life skill that allows you to manage these feelings effectively, rather than being controlled by them (Silvers