, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE ONLY
QUESTION 1
1.1 Discuss how the concept of protective factors, as discussed by Masten et al (2011), relates to
children's resilience.
The concept of protective factors is fundamentally linked to children's resilience. Resilience is the
phenomenon of overcoming extremely difficult experiences and developing successfully despite
significant risk factors (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 34). According to the study guide, protective
factors are the specific conditions, characteristics, and resources that support a child's healthy
development and increase their ability to overcome such difficulties (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 34).
Masten et al. (2011) categorize these protective factors across three levels: personal, family, and
community characteristics (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 35). Their relationship to resilience can be
understood as follows:
Protective factors act as a buffer against the negative impacts of risk factors. For example, a child
living in poverty (a risk factor) may still develop resilience if they possess personal characteristics
like good problem-solving skills and a positive outlook, have a supportive family, and live in a
community with effective schools and safe recreational spaces. These protective factors mitigate the
potential damage of the adversity (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 35).
Protective factors foster the development of resilience by strengthening the child's ability to cope and
adapt. A stable and supportive home environment, characterized by positive parenting and close
relationships, provides a secure base from which a child can navigate challenges (CDE3701, Study
Guide, p. 35). Similarly, a child with a high sense of self-efficacy and positive self-esteem (personal
characteristics) is better equipped to believe they can overcome obstacles and persevere. These
factors actively build the internal resources necessary for resilience (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 35).
In essence, while risk factors increase the likelihood of developmental difficulties, protective factors,
as outlined by Masten et al. (2011), are the crucial elements that enable children to demonstrate
resilience by minimizing risk, building competencies, and promoting positive adaptation in the face
of adversity (CDE3701, Study Guide, pp. 34-35).
, 1.2 Create a mind map in which you identify three characteristics that form part of the
protective factors that strengthen the resilience of children (Masten et al, 2011) and give an
example of each. Consult the rubric below to answer this question based on the mark allocation.
1.3 Discuss how neighbourhood quality (such as safety, clean air and low violence) influences
children's emotional and social development.
Neighbourhood quality significantly influences children's emotional and social development by
providing a foundation of security and opportunity. A safe neighbourhood with low community
violence protects children from the trauma and stress associated with exposure to violent situations,
which can lead to emotional difficulties such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 32). Furthermore, safe and clean environments with
access to recreational centres offer children the opportunity to engage in social activities, build
friendships, and develop prosocial skills in a healthy and supportive setting, free from the threat of
harm (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 35).
1.4 According to Louw and Louw (2014), explain how culture can function as a protective factor
in strengthening children's resilience.
According to Louw and Louw (2014), culture functions as a protective factor by providing a
framework of support and positive values that can buffer children against adversity. Cultural
traditions, religious practices, and unique support services embedded within a culture can serve
protective functions (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 35). For example, cultural variations in
child-rearing that value positive affirmation and emotional support of children can actively promote
resilience and protect them against developmental difficulties, as these practices build a child's sense
of worth and belonging within their community (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 35).
QUESTION 1
1.1 Discuss how the concept of protective factors, as discussed by Masten et al (2011), relates to
children's resilience.
The concept of protective factors is fundamentally linked to children's resilience. Resilience is the
phenomenon of overcoming extremely difficult experiences and developing successfully despite
significant risk factors (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 34). According to the study guide, protective
factors are the specific conditions, characteristics, and resources that support a child's healthy
development and increase their ability to overcome such difficulties (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 34).
Masten et al. (2011) categorize these protective factors across three levels: personal, family, and
community characteristics (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 35). Their relationship to resilience can be
understood as follows:
Protective factors act as a buffer against the negative impacts of risk factors. For example, a child
living in poverty (a risk factor) may still develop resilience if they possess personal characteristics
like good problem-solving skills and a positive outlook, have a supportive family, and live in a
community with effective schools and safe recreational spaces. These protective factors mitigate the
potential damage of the adversity (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 35).
Protective factors foster the development of resilience by strengthening the child's ability to cope and
adapt. A stable and supportive home environment, characterized by positive parenting and close
relationships, provides a secure base from which a child can navigate challenges (CDE3701, Study
Guide, p. 35). Similarly, a child with a high sense of self-efficacy and positive self-esteem (personal
characteristics) is better equipped to believe they can overcome obstacles and persevere. These
factors actively build the internal resources necessary for resilience (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 35).
In essence, while risk factors increase the likelihood of developmental difficulties, protective factors,
as outlined by Masten et al. (2011), are the crucial elements that enable children to demonstrate
resilience by minimizing risk, building competencies, and promoting positive adaptation in the face
of adversity (CDE3701, Study Guide, pp. 34-35).
, 1.2 Create a mind map in which you identify three characteristics that form part of the
protective factors that strengthen the resilience of children (Masten et al, 2011) and give an
example of each. Consult the rubric below to answer this question based on the mark allocation.
1.3 Discuss how neighbourhood quality (such as safety, clean air and low violence) influences
children's emotional and social development.
Neighbourhood quality significantly influences children's emotional and social development by
providing a foundation of security and opportunity. A safe neighbourhood with low community
violence protects children from the trauma and stress associated with exposure to violent situations,
which can lead to emotional difficulties such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 32). Furthermore, safe and clean environments with
access to recreational centres offer children the opportunity to engage in social activities, build
friendships, and develop prosocial skills in a healthy and supportive setting, free from the threat of
harm (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 35).
1.4 According to Louw and Louw (2014), explain how culture can function as a protective factor
in strengthening children's resilience.
According to Louw and Louw (2014), culture functions as a protective factor by providing a
framework of support and positive values that can buffer children against adversity. Cultural
traditions, religious practices, and unique support services embedded within a culture can serve
protective functions (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 35). For example, cultural variations in
child-rearing that value positive affirmation and emotional support of children can actively promote
resilience and protect them against developmental difficulties, as these practices build a child's sense
of worth and belonging within their community (CDE3701, Study Guide, p. 35).
