| Introduction
 This section provides
information on what has become the main model for prevention theory and
programming in recent years – the risk factor/protective factor model. Over
the past twenty years of prevention research, a number of factors have been
identified that contribute to the likelihood that a young person will abuse
drugs; these are called risk factors. In addition, factors that reduce the
probability that a young person will abuse drugs have also been identified;
these are called protective factors. Basically, the model states that the
more risk factors a youth experiences, the more likely it is that she/he
will experience substance use and related problems in adolescence or young
adulthood. Consequently, prevention programming based on this model seeks
to identify and reduce these risk factors while creating and/or enhancing
protective factors. Information on two closely related models will also be
presented in this section, the developmental assets approach and social
bonding and the concept of resilience.
After completing this lesson you should understand / be
able to
 |
Describe and discuss the risk factor/protective factor prevention model. |
|
List and describe several risk and protective factors in each of the key
developmental domains. |
|
Provide examples of prevention strategies based on the risk
factor/prevention factor model. |
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Describe the “web of influence” conceptualization of the risk
factor/protective factor model. |
|
Describe the Institute of Medicine prevention classifications. |
|
Describe and discuss the asset-building prevention approach. |
| Describe and
discuss the concept of resilience. |
Important Terms
|
Risk factor |
|
Protective factor |
|
Domain |
|
Web of influence |
|
Institute of Medicine |
|
Developmental assets |
| Resilience |
|
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