, CDE3701
ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
DUE 16 JULY 2026
QUESTION 1 (25 marks)
1.1 Protective Factors and Resilience (3 marks)
According to Masten et al. (2011), protective factors relate to children's resilience by serving as
buffers that reduce the negative effects of risk exposure. These factors are characteristics or
conditions that promote positive adaptation and help children overcome adversity. Resilience is
the capacity to recover from difficult experiences, and protective factors enhance this ability by
providing resources, support, and coping mechanisms that shield children from developmental
difficulties (Louw & Louw, 2014).
1.2 Mind Map: Protective Factors Characteristics
, 1.3 Neighbourhood Quality and Child Development (2 marks)
Neighbourhood quality significantly influences children's emotional and social development.
According to Louw and Louw (2014), safe neighbourhoods with low violence levels and clean air
create environments where children can play freely, form friendships, and develop social skills
without fear or anxiety. Conversely, neighbourhoods with high violence and poor environmental
quality can lead to toxic stress, poor interpersonal relationships, increased aggressiveness,
depression, and anxiety disorders, which negatively impact both social and emotional development
(Department of Social Development, 2015).
1.4 Culture as a Protective Factor (2 marks)
According to Louw and Louw (2014), culture functions as a protective factor by providing children
with cultural traditions, religious practices, and support services unique to specific cultural groups.
Cultural variations in child-rearing practices may affect children's resilience, as cultures that value
positive affirmation and emotional support of children promote resilience and protection against
developmental difficulties. Cultural beliefs and practices can offer children a sense of identity,
belonging, and community support that strengthens their ability to overcome adversity.
1.5 Positive Self-Esteem as a Protective Factor (2 marks)
Positive self-esteem is an important personal protective factor because it enables children to
develop confidence in their abilities and maintain a positive outlook on life (Masten et al., 2011).
Children with high self-esteem are more likely to be self-efficient, set higher goals, persevere
through challenges, and demonstrate resilience when faced with difficulties (Kail, Cavanaugh &
Muller, 2019). Positive self-esteem also helps children form healthy relationships and cope with
failures constructively, reducing vulnerability to mental health difficulties.
1.6 Recreational Centres and After-School Programmes (2 marks)
Access to recreational centres and after-school programmes supports resilience in high-risk
environments by providing children with safe spaces to develop skills, form positive relationships,
and engage in constructive activities (Masten et al., 2011). These programmes offer structured
supervision, exposure to adult role models, and opportunities for physical activity, sports, and arts
that promote social development, emotional wellbeing, and academic engagement, thereby
protecting children from the negative influences prevalent in high-risk communities.
1.7 Family Characteristics and Stable Home Environment (2 marks)
Family characteristics contribute to a stable and supportive home environment through positive
family climate with low parental conflict, close relationships with parents or caregivers, positive
parenting styles high in warmth, structure and expectations, good sibling relationships, and
supportive connections with extended family members (Masten et al., 2011). Louw and Louw (2014)
emphasize that a stable, emotionally supportive family is linked to positive developmental
outcomes such as better academic achievement, higher self-esteem, lower stress levels, fewer
psychological difficulties, and increased social competence.
ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
DUE 16 JULY 2026
QUESTION 1 (25 marks)
1.1 Protective Factors and Resilience (3 marks)
According to Masten et al. (2011), protective factors relate to children's resilience by serving as
buffers that reduce the negative effects of risk exposure. These factors are characteristics or
conditions that promote positive adaptation and help children overcome adversity. Resilience is
the capacity to recover from difficult experiences, and protective factors enhance this ability by
providing resources, support, and coping mechanisms that shield children from developmental
difficulties (Louw & Louw, 2014).
1.2 Mind Map: Protective Factors Characteristics
, 1.3 Neighbourhood Quality and Child Development (2 marks)
Neighbourhood quality significantly influences children's emotional and social development.
According to Louw and Louw (2014), safe neighbourhoods with low violence levels and clean air
create environments where children can play freely, form friendships, and develop social skills
without fear or anxiety. Conversely, neighbourhoods with high violence and poor environmental
quality can lead to toxic stress, poor interpersonal relationships, increased aggressiveness,
depression, and anxiety disorders, which negatively impact both social and emotional development
(Department of Social Development, 2015).
1.4 Culture as a Protective Factor (2 marks)
According to Louw and Louw (2014), culture functions as a protective factor by providing children
with cultural traditions, religious practices, and support services unique to specific cultural groups.
Cultural variations in child-rearing practices may affect children's resilience, as cultures that value
positive affirmation and emotional support of children promote resilience and protection against
developmental difficulties. Cultural beliefs and practices can offer children a sense of identity,
belonging, and community support that strengthens their ability to overcome adversity.
1.5 Positive Self-Esteem as a Protective Factor (2 marks)
Positive self-esteem is an important personal protective factor because it enables children to
develop confidence in their abilities and maintain a positive outlook on life (Masten et al., 2011).
Children with high self-esteem are more likely to be self-efficient, set higher goals, persevere
through challenges, and demonstrate resilience when faced with difficulties (Kail, Cavanaugh &
Muller, 2019). Positive self-esteem also helps children form healthy relationships and cope with
failures constructively, reducing vulnerability to mental health difficulties.
1.6 Recreational Centres and After-School Programmes (2 marks)
Access to recreational centres and after-school programmes supports resilience in high-risk
environments by providing children with safe spaces to develop skills, form positive relationships,
and engage in constructive activities (Masten et al., 2011). These programmes offer structured
supervision, exposure to adult role models, and opportunities for physical activity, sports, and arts
that promote social development, emotional wellbeing, and academic engagement, thereby
protecting children from the negative influences prevalent in high-risk communities.
1.7 Family Characteristics and Stable Home Environment (2 marks)
Family characteristics contribute to a stable and supportive home environment through positive
family climate with low parental conflict, close relationships with parents or caregivers, positive
parenting styles high in warmth, structure and expectations, good sibling relationships, and
supportive connections with extended family members (Masten et al., 2011). Louw and Louw (2014)
emphasize that a stable, emotionally supportive family is linked to positive developmental
outcomes such as better academic achievement, higher self-esteem, lower stress levels, fewer
psychological difficulties, and increased social competence.
