Assignment 2 Discussion: Risk And Protective Factors

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Assignment 2: Discussion—Risk Factors and Protective Factors Research studies have identified numerous risk factors that can lead to mental health issues and mental illness, including exposure to violence, parental divorce, poverty, genetic predisposition, and dysfunctional parenting. Conversely, some children face these adversities yet manage to overcome them, demonstrating resilience. Researchers are eager to understand how these children thrive despite unfavorable circumstances. The book The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates by Wes Moore (2010) illustrates this dynamic by contrasting two boys with the same name and similar backgrounds but divergent life paths. The book and related interview provide insight into how heredity and environment shape personal outcomes, highlighting factors influencing resilience and risk.

The author, Wes Moore, grew up in a single-parent household after his father’s death, with a supportive, college-educated mother who intervened early in his troubled behavior by sending him to military school. This intervention ignited his sense of purpose, fostering discipline, a strong work ethic, and academic success, leading to his achievements as a Rhodes scholar and leader. His environment was relatively structured, and his family’s educational background provided protective buffers. In contrast, the other Wes Moore lacked consistent paternal involvement; his mother, overwhelmed by financial hardship and without a college degree due to federal funding cuts, was unable to offer the same level of supervision or stability. He became involved in drug use and crime, culminating in the murder of a police officer and a life sentence.

Three significant risk factors faced by the two Wes Moores include:

• Absence of paternal involvement: The author’s father died young, but his mother’s intervention helped compensate to some degree, whereas the incarcerated Wes Moore lacked any paternal support altogether.
• Socioeconomic hardship: The author’s family, despite financial struggles, maintained stability through parental education and support. The other Wes Moore faced persistent poverty, requiring his mother to juggle multiple jobs, which limited supervision and structure.
• Exposure to criminal influences: The author’s environment was challenging yet contained enough protective influences and guidance. The other Wes Moore’s environment was more permissive of substance abuse and criminal activity, partly due to lack of supervision.

Protective factors that fostered resilience in the author include:

• Strong family support: His mother’s proactive efforts, including relocating to safer neighborhoods and sending him to military school, provided stability and discipline.
• Structured environment: Military school instilled discipline, purpose, and a sense of belonging, which helped redirect his life trajectory.
• Positive role models and achievements: Academic success and leadership experiences reinforced his self-efficacy and motivation to succeed, counteracting earlier negative influences.

Recent research on resilience emphasizes that protective factors such as caring relationships, positive school environments, and opportunities for skill development are critical in helping children overcome adversity (Masten, 2014; Luthar & Cicchetti, 2000). Resilient children often possess strong internal attributes, like self-regulation and optimism, and external supports, including family, community, and educational systems (Rutter, 2012). Studies indicate that early interventions, fostering social-emotional skills, and promoting stable environments significantly contribute to resilience (Werner & Smith, 2001). For example, programs targeting at-risk youth that enhance mentorship and life skills have demonstrated success in reducing delinquency and promoting positive outcomes (Catalano et al., 2004). Understanding these dynamics underscores that resilience is not merely an innate trait but a web of protective factors that can be cultivated through appropriate support systems.

References

• Catalano, R. F., Haggerty, K. P., Oesterhelm, K. J., Gainey, R. R., & Fleming, C. B. (2004). Preventing adolescent drug use: Intervention programs and policies. Addictive Behaviors, 29(2), 393–404.
• Luthar, S. S., & Cicchetti, D. (2000). The construct of resilience: A critical evaluation and guidelines for future work. Child Development, 71(3), 543–562.
• Masten, A. S. (2014). Ordinary magic: Resilience in development. Guilford Publications.
• Rutter, M. (2012). Resilience as a dynamic concept. Development and Psychopathology, 24(2), 335–344.
• Werner, E. E., & Smith, R. S. (2001). Journeys from childhood to midlife: Risk, resilience, and Recovery. Cornell University Press.
• Moore, W. (2010). The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates. Spiegal & Grau.
• Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). (2010). Interview with Wes Moore. Retrieved from [URL]