Mental Disorders: Risk and Protective Factors (VCE SSCE Health and Human Development): Revision Notes
Mental Disorders: Risk and Protective Factors
Understanding risk and protective factors
When studying youth mental health, it's essential to understand the factors that can either increase or decrease the likelihood of developing mental health problems. These fall into two main categories: risk factors and protective factors.
Risk factor: Something that increases the likelihood of developing disease or injury.
Protective factor: Something that enhances the likelihood of a positive health and wellbeing outcome and lessens the likelihood of negative health and wellbeing outcomes from exposure to risk.
Risk factors for mental disorders in youth
How mental disorders develop
Mental disorders don't arise from a single cause. Instead, they develop from a complex interaction of several factors:
- Genetic factors: Each person inherits a unique combination of genes, and certain combinations can create a predisposition (increased vulnerability) to mental illness
- Sociocultural factors: Social relationships, cultural background, and community connections
- Environmental factors: Living conditions, stressors, and life experiences
Think of genetic vulnerability like a threshold. Some young people have a low threshold, meaning only slight stress is needed to trigger a mental disorder. Others have a higher threshold and may need to experience more traumatic events before a mental disorder develops.
Important statistics
Research by headspace reveals that 75% of mental health disorders begin before the age of 25 years. This makes the youth stage a critical period for both prevention and early intervention.
The combination effect
Having one risk factor doesn't guarantee a young person will develop a mental disorder. However, as the number of risk factors increases, so does the likelihood of developing a mental health problem. Mental health conditions typically arise from a combination of multiple risk factors working together.
Key risk factors for youth mental health
The diagram above shows the main risk factors that can contribute to mental health problems in young people:
Social and economic factors:
- Social exclusion: Being left out or isolated from peer groups and community activities can lead to loneliness and low self-esteem
- Socioeconomic status: Lower income and fewer resources can create stress and limit access to support services
- Discrimination: Experiencing prejudice based on characteristics like ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or disability can damage self-worth and create ongoing stress
Lifestyle and behaviour factors:
- Risk-taking and violence: Engaging in dangerous behaviours or exposure to violence can lead to trauma and mental health problems
- Substance use: Tobacco, alcohol, or drug use can alter brain chemistry and worsen mental health symptoms
- Poor physical health and wellbeing: Physical illness or injury can impact mental health, creating a cycle of declining wellbeing
Environmental factors:
- Family, neighbourhood, and housing: Unstable living conditions, family conflict, or unsafe neighbourhoods create ongoing stress
- Geographical location and remoteness: Living in remote areas can limit access to support services and social connections
- Media: Negative media exposure, cyberbullying, or unrealistic social media comparisons can damage self-image and create anxiety
Personal factors:
- Attitudes and beliefs: Negative thinking patterns or stigma around mental health can prevent help-seeking
- Stress, trauma, or challenging life events: Experiences like family breakdown, bereavement, or abuse can trigger mental health problems
The genetic link
Early twin studies showed that genes play a role in depression, as identical twins had much higher rates of depression than non-identical twins. More recent research has identified 44 gene variations that increase the risk of depression.
However, it's important to understand that no one directly inherits depression from their parents. Instead, people inherit a unique combination of genes, and certain combinations can create a predisposition to mental illness. Many of these genes affect how brain cells (neurons) grow, function, and communicate. Some are linked to neurotransmitters like serotonin, which is targeted by antidepressant medications.
The cycle of mental ill-health
Anxiety and depression during the youth stage can lead to risky health behaviours such as:
- Self-harm
- Social withdrawal
- Substance abuse
These behaviours can then intensify existing mental health problems, creating a harmful cycle that becomes harder to break.
Protective factors for mental health in youth
Why protective factors matter
Understanding protective factors helps health professionals and educators develop better prevention strategies and support systems for young people. When we know what protects mental health, we can strengthen these factors and reduce the impact of risk factors.
Resilience: The ability to manage adversity and stress effectively and in a way that increases the ability to respond to future adversity.
How protective factors work
Protective factors can reduce exposure to risk in several ways. For example, a young person with good social and emotional skills finds it easier to make friends. This means they're less likely to experience social isolation, which is a risk factor for mental health problems.
Key protective factors for youth mental health
Personal characteristics:
- Easy temperament: A naturally calm and adaptable personality helps young people cope better with stress and challenges
- Good social and emotional skills: Being able to understand and manage emotions, communicate effectively, and build relationships protects against social isolation
- Health literacy: Understanding health information and how to access support services enables young people to seek help when needed
Environmental and social factors:
- Stable home environment: A secure, supportive home with caring relationships provides a foundation for good mental health
- Education: Schools provide not only learning but also structure, purpose, and social connections
- Access to support services: Being able to get professional help when needed prevents minor problems from becoming serious
- Social inclusion, social connections, and supportive networks: Having friends, family, and community connections provides emotional support and reduces loneliness
Physical health:
- Good physical health and wellbeing: Physical and mental health are closely connected. When the body is healthy, the mind tends to be healthier too
The role of positive connections
Supportive relationships make a significant difference to youth mental health:
- A caring relationship with a parent, carer, or teacher gives young people someone to turn to when facing difficulties
- Positive family connections support academic achievement and provide emotional security
- A strong sense of cultural identity helps protect against discrimination and builds resilience
Schools as protective environments
Schools play a vital role in promoting mental health and wellbeing for young people through:
- Access to education and learning opportunities
- Creating a sense of belonging and connectedness
- Developing social and emotional skills
- Providing safe, inclusive, and empowering environments
- Offering social and emotional learning programs
- Building family and community partnerships
- Running mental health promotion programs
Physical activity as a powerful protective factor
Regular physical activity is one of the most effective protective factors for anxiety and depression.
Research from the Black Dog Institute found that 12% of depression cases could have been prevented by just one hour of physical activity per week.
How exercise protects mental health
Physical activity benefits mental health through multiple pathways:
Brain chemistry benefits:
- Releases endorphins, which help alleviate depression and anxiety
- Releases serotonin, which improves mood and regulates sleep and appetite
- Produces neurochemicals that promote brain cell repair
- Prompts growth of new nerve cells and blood vessels
Cognitive benefits:
- Improves memory and lengthens attention span
- Boosts decision-making skills
- Enhances multitasking and planning abilities
- Pumps blood to the brain, helping with clearer thinking
Psychological and social benefits:
- Increases interaction with the outdoor environment
- Reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation
- Increases contact with others through group activities
- Provides purpose and structure to the day
- Improves sleep quality
Physical health benefits:
- Reduces stress symptoms
- Helps with recovery from mental health issues
- Improves overall physical wellbeing, which supports mental health
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- Risk factors increase the likelihood of mental health problems, while protective factors decrease this likelihood
- 75% of mental health disorders begin before age 25, making youth a critical period for prevention
- Mental disorders arise from a combination of genetic, sociocultural, and environmental factors working together
- More risk factors = higher likelihood of developing mental health problems, but having risk factors doesn't guarantee illness
- Protective factors can reduce the impact of risk factors - for example, good social skills prevent social isolation
- Physical activity is a powerful protective factor - just one hour per week can prevent 12% of depression cases
- Schools play a vital role in promoting youth mental health through education, social connections, and support programs
- Strong relationships and social connections are among the most important protective factors for young people