Define protective factors and give an example.

• A. Factors that increase risk of mental illness.
• B. Attributes that reduce risk and promote wellbeing; e.g., strong family support.
• C. Only genetic factors determine mental health.
• D. Only socioeconomic status determines mental wellbeing.

Answer: (B)

Protective factors are conditions or attributes that reduce the risk of mental health problems and promote wellbeing. They help people cope with stress and vulnerability, creating resilience in challenging times. An example is strong family support, which provides emotional backing, practical help, and a sense of belonging that buffers against difficulties. This matches the statement that protective factors are attributes that reduce risk and promote wellbeing, with a concrete example like strong family support.

The other options describe factors that aren’t protective: one talks about increasing risk (risk factors), another claims mental health is determined only by genetics (ignoring environment and social influences), and the last says only socioeconomic status matters (an overly narrow view, since many interacting factors shape wellbeing).