*Vulnerability & Protective Factors

Chapter 15 Notes - STRESS, COPING, AND HEALTH

Understanding Vulnerability and Protective Factors

• Definition:
  People differ in their reactions to stress, with some exhibiting resilience in challenging situations while others struggle with even minor stressors. This variation is influenced by both vulnerability and protective factors.

Vulnerability Factors

• Definition:
  Conditions or traits that increase susceptibility to stress and complicate coping mechanisms.

• Examples:

  • Lack of a support network

  • Poor coping skills

  • Pessimistic or anxious thinking styles

  • Low self-esteem

• Effect:
  These factors diminish a person's capacity to withstand or recover from stress.

Protective Factors

• Definition:
  Environmental or personal strengths that aid individuals in managing stress more effectively.

• Examples:

  • Strong social support

  • Good coping skills

  • Optimism and a sense of control

  • Positive personality traits such as resilience and self-efficacy

• Effect:
  These resources serve to buffer against the adverse consequences of stress and facilitate recovery.

Comparative Impact of Factors on Stress

• Type

  • Vulnerability Factors

  • Definition: Increase susceptibility to stress

  • Examples: Lack of support, poor coping skills, pessimism

  • Protective Factors

  • Definition: Reduce stress impact and promote resilience

  • Examples: Support network, optimism, strong coping skills

• Impact Summary:

  • Vulnerability factors increase the risk of distress, while protective factors decrease the risk of distress.

Factors Reducing Resistance to Stress

• Lack of support network

• Poor coping mechanisms

• Pessimism

Diathesis-Stress Model

• Definition:
  A psychological theory positing that vulnerability to a mental disorder is a function of both genetic predisposition and environmental stressors.

• Components:

  • Born with vulnerability

  • Predisposition amplified by environmental exposures and mediated by coping mechanisms.

Social Support as a Protective Factor

• Definition:
  Social support signifies a feeling or reality of being cared for, valued, and part of a supportive social network. It is recognized as a powerful protective factor against both the physical and psychological effects of stress.

Evidence for Social Support in Stress Management

• Long-term studies indicate that high social support correlates with lower risks of:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Heart disease

  • Citations:

  • Fredrick et al., 2018; Scardera et al., 2020

• Adolescents who experience strong social support are likely to develop into healthier adults.

  • Citation: Seok & Doom, 2022

• Research in immunology shows:

  • Individuals with supportive spouses produce a higher count of immune cells in response to stress.

  • Citation: Baron et al., 1990

Forms of Social Support

1. Emotional Support:

   • Empathy, comfort, and care

2. Instrumental Support:

   • Tangible help such as rides or meals

3. Informational Support:

   • Providing advice and guidance

4. Appraisal Support:

   • Offering reassurance and validation

Modern Finding Regarding Social Support

• In-person support contributes to higher positive affect and lower negative affect than support via text messages, though both formats are beneficial for recovery.

• Conclusion:
  The presence of any form of connection helps mitigate stress physiology.

• Research Update:
  “Support doesn’t need to be spoken in person to be effective; however, it is most impactful when it feels genuine.”