Which statement best describes a protective factor?

• A. A factor that reduces the risk of mental health problems and promotes wellbeing.
• B. A factor that increases stress.
• C. An unrelated personal habit.
• D. A demographic variable with no effect.

Answer: (A)

Protective factors are features that help shield individuals from mental health problems and support overall wellbeing. They can be internal resources like effective coping skills, resilience, and optimism, or external supports such as strong social connections, caring relationships, and access to helpful services. Because they reduce risk and promote wellbeing, this description fits best. The other ideas describe factors that increase stress, are unrelated habits, or have no effect, which do not capture how protective factors function.