ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 16 JULY 2026
,Child development (birth to 9) - CDE3701
Assignment 3 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 conditions or characteristics that help children cope successfully
with adversity and reduce the negative effects of risk factors. According to Masten et al.
(2011), these factors promote resilience by enabling children to adapt positively despite
difficult circumstances such as poverty, family conflict or community violence. Protective
factors strengthen children's emotional, social and cognitive functioning, allowing them
to recover from challenges and continue developing in a healthy manner.
1.2 Mind map: Protective factor characteristics that strengthen children's
resilience (10 marks)
Mind Map Title: Protective Factors that Strengthen Children's Resilience
PROTECTIVE FACTORS THAT
STRENGTHEN CHILDREN'S RESILIENCE
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Positive Self-Esteem Supportive Relationships Problem-Solving Skills
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Example: A learner who Example: A child receives Example: A child who is
believes in their abilities encouragement and guidance bullied reports the issue
continues trying even after from parents, teachers and to a teacher and seeks
failing a test. friends during difficult help rather than reacting
times. aggressively.
, Characteristics and Examples
1. Positive self-esteem
Example: A learner who believes in their abilities continues working hard even
after receiving poor marks.
2. Supportive relationships
Example: Parents and teachers provide encouragement and emotional support
during stressful situations.
3. Problem-solving skills
Example: A child facing bullying seeks assistance from trusted adults and finds
constructive solutions.
1.3 Discuss how neighbourhood quality (such as safety, clean air and low
violence) influences children's emotional and social development. (2 marks)
A safe neighbourhood with clean air and low levels of violence provides children with
opportunities to play, learn and interact freely with others. Such environments reduce
stress and anxiety while promoting positive emotional wellbeing, social skills and
healthy relationships with peers and community members.
1.4 According to Louw and Louw (2014), explain how culture can function as a
protective factor in strengthening children's resilience. (2 marks)
Culture can strengthen resilience by providing children with a sense of identity,
belonging and shared values. Cultural traditions, beliefs and community support
systems offer guidance and emotional security, helping children cope with challenges
and adversity more effectively.