, CDE3701 ASSIGNMENT 3 ANSWERS - DUE DATE: 16 JULY 2026
Question 1
1.1 Discuss how the concept of protective factors, as discussed by Masten et al. (2011),
relates to children's resilience. (3 marks)
Protective factors are the positive characteristics, relationships, and environmental conditions
that enable children to cope effectively with adversity and continue developing in a healthy
manner. Resilience is not viewed as an inborn characteristic possessed by only a few children.
Instead, it develops through everyday processes and supportive systems that help children
adapt successfully when faced with challenges (Masten et al., 2011; UNISA, 2024).
Protective factors reduce the negative effects of risk factors such as poverty, abuse, neglect,
family conflict, illness, and exposure to violence. They strengthen children's ability to
regulate emotions, solve problems, build healthy relationships, and recover from setbacks.
Although adversity cannot always be prevented, protective factors provide children with the
support and resources needed to maintain positive development despite difficult
circumstances (Masten et al., 2011).
Resilience develops through the interaction of protective factors across different ecological
systems, including the individual, family, school, and community (UNISA, 2024). Individual
protective factors include self-confidence, optimism, self-regulation, communication skills,
and problem-solving abilities. Family protective factors include caring caregivers, stable
relationships, consistent discipline, and emotional support. School protective factors include
supportive teachers, positive peer relationships, and opportunities for academic success,
while community protective factors include access to healthcare, safe neighbourhoods,
recreational facilities, and supportive social networks (Masten et al., 2011; UNISA, 2024).
Protective factors are regarded as the foundation of children's resilience because they
strengthen children's capacity to adapt positively despite experiencing adversity. When these
protective factors are present across different areas of a child's life, they promote emotional
well-being, confidence, effective coping strategies, and healthy development. Resilience
Question 1
1.1 Discuss how the concept of protective factors, as discussed by Masten et al. (2011),
relates to children's resilience. (3 marks)
Protective factors are the positive characteristics, relationships, and environmental conditions
that enable children to cope effectively with adversity and continue developing in a healthy
manner. Resilience is not viewed as an inborn characteristic possessed by only a few children.
Instead, it develops through everyday processes and supportive systems that help children
adapt successfully when faced with challenges (Masten et al., 2011; UNISA, 2024).
Protective factors reduce the negative effects of risk factors such as poverty, abuse, neglect,
family conflict, illness, and exposure to violence. They strengthen children's ability to
regulate emotions, solve problems, build healthy relationships, and recover from setbacks.
Although adversity cannot always be prevented, protective factors provide children with the
support and resources needed to maintain positive development despite difficult
circumstances (Masten et al., 2011).
Resilience develops through the interaction of protective factors across different ecological
systems, including the individual, family, school, and community (UNISA, 2024). Individual
protective factors include self-confidence, optimism, self-regulation, communication skills,
and problem-solving abilities. Family protective factors include caring caregivers, stable
relationships, consistent discipline, and emotional support. School protective factors include
supportive teachers, positive peer relationships, and opportunities for academic success,
while community protective factors include access to healthcare, safe neighbourhoods,
recreational facilities, and supportive social networks (Masten et al., 2011; UNISA, 2024).
Protective factors are regarded as the foundation of children's resilience because they
strengthen children's capacity to adapt positively despite experiencing adversity. When these
protective factors are present across different areas of a child's life, they promote emotional
well-being, confidence, effective coping strategies, and healthy development. Resilience
