Risk Factor

A risk factor is a variable that can make a person more susceptible to undesirable outcomes. For example, in the context of mental health, chronic¹ stress or trauma² can be significant risk factors for mental health disorders like depression or anxiety. A family history of mental health conditions is another common risk factor, as certain disorders may be more prevalent if there is a hereditary risk.   

Some risk factors are modifiable, meaning they can be changed or controlled, while others are non-modifiable and cannot be changed. Below are some examples of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.

Modifiable risk factors

Modifiable risk factors may include but are not limited to the following: 

• Substance use
• Chronic stress or traumatic events
• Poor coping skills
• Lack of social support 
• Isolation and loneliness 
• Unhealthy sleep patterns
• Poor nutrition
• Lack of physical activity
• Chronic physical health problems

Non-modifiable risk factors 

Non-modifiable risk factors include the following: 

• Family history
• Age
• Genetics
• Biological factors (like imbalances in brain chemicals)
• Traumatic experiences in early childhood
• Gender 
• Ethnicity or race

Environmental and societal risk factors may also contribute to the likelihood of specific outcomes. For instance, living in an area with high levels of social isolation or limited access to mental health resources might increase the risk factor for developing anxiety or depression. Areas with economic hardship or community unrest might increase the chance of residents struggling with their mental health. Knowing about specific risk factors may help individuals take preventative measures to avoid challenges.

Risk factors are often organized into specific domains to better understand and manage them. Below are the five primary domains for risk factors.

Individual domain

The individual domain focuses on the inherent traits of an individual. It includes:

• Biological dispositions: Biological factors might involve genetics or conditions at birth that make someone more susceptible to certain behaviors or problems. 
• Psychological dispositions: These dispositions are individual differences in cognitive, emotional, and personality traits. 
• Attitudes and values: Individuals' beliefs can shape their behavior and decisions. 
• Knowledge and skills: A lack of specific knowledge or skills may increase vulnerability to risks.

Family domain

The family environment often plays a role in shaping behavior and may influence risk. Critical factors in this domain include:

• Function: How a family works together, communicates, and resolves conflicts can decrease or increase risk.
• Management: Management refers to a family's structure, routines, and discipline.
• Bonding: The emotional connection between family members can influence risk.

Peer domain

The influence of peers is often strong during childhood and early adulthood and includes:

• Norms: Peer group norms and accepted behaviors can influence individuals to adopt risky behaviors.
• Activities: What the peer group engages in—positive activities like sports or negative ones like drug use—can sway individual choices.
• Attachment: The strength and quality of attachment to peers can protect against or lead to risks.

School domain

Schools, as institutions of learning and socializing, have various factors that can be sources of risk or protection:

• Bonding: Students' relationship with their school and teachers can affect their academic and social outcomes.
• Climate: The overall atmosphere, including factors like safety, inclusivity, and respect, may play a role.
• Policy: School policies, including those related to discipline and student support, may influence risk.
• Performance: Academic achievement and involvement in school activities can be protective factors or risks, depending on the context.

Community domain

The broader community environment has its own set of influential factors, including the following: 

• Bonding: One’s sense of connection and belonging to a community can influence risks.
• Norms: Community norms around behaviors and attitudes may shape individual choices.
• Resources: Availability or lack of resources (such as recreational facilities or job opportunities) may influence risk.
• Awareness: How aware and proactive a community is about addressing problems and risks may make a difference in outcomes.

Targeted interventions and public policies might address risk factors and reduce their impact on individuals and the community as a whole.

When exploring risk factors in mental health, various types can be considered to address potential problems. Some risks affect vast populations, while others have a distinct effect on individuals. Risk factors may be related to genetic, environmental, and social influences. Some common health risk factors may include the following: 

• Genetic: A genetic predisposition³ may increase the risk of certain mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
• Demographic: Certain age groups might be more susceptible to specific conditions, like adolescents facing increased risks of eating disorders.
• Environmental: Prolonged exposure to hostile or stressful environments, such as abusive relationships or war zones, may increase the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)⁴ or anxiety disorders. 
• Social: Factors like bullying, discrimination, and social isolation may impact mental health. Strong social support and community ties may reduce the impact of these risk factors.

In a professional context, various mental health risks can arise:

• Workplace stress: Stress and potential burnout within a specific job role or industry may result from high workload, long working hours, or job insecurity.
• Interpersonal conflicts: These conflicts refer to strained relationships at work or home, which may lead to mental health challenges.
• Life transitions: Some people may struggle to adjust to significant changes or transitions, such as job relocation or cultural changes. These changes can cause stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges.

For those experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.

Risk factors are characteristics or conditions that increase the probability of adverse outcomes. Contrarily, protective factors are characteristics that may reduce the likelihood of adverse outcomes. Examples of protective factors can include strong social support, adaptive coping skills, and a positive school environment.

Still, the presence of risk factors doesn't necessarily guarantee negative outcomes. Likewise, having protective factors doesn't mean a person is entirely safe from challenges. The interaction between risk and protective factors ultimately affects the odds of experiencing or overcoming challenges. Some key points to remember may include:

• Risk factors increase the likelihood of negative outcomes.
• Protective factors decrease the likelihood of negative outcomes or reduce the impact of risk factors.
• Both risk and protective factors can appear at an individual, family, or community level.
• The interaction between risk and protective factors can affect how an individual manages challenges.

Knowing the differences between risk and protective factors may help individuals find support. By managing risk factors and strengthening protective factors, individuals may improve their health outcomes throughout their lives.