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Factors that impact on mental health and emotional well-being

A risk factor is something that is likely to increase the chances that a child will develop a mental health difficulty.

- Protective factors;
- Risk factors;
- Maintaining factors.

Protective factors

The following build emotional resilience:

- Social competence;
- Problem-solving skills;
- Autonomy (a sense of independence);
- A sense of purpose and future;
- Social support and social networks;
- Friendships.

Throughout all stages of life, friendships are critical in helping us cope with all situations. While we may take them for granted, they play an important part in our mental well-being.

Risk factors (1)

A risk factor is something that is likely to increase the chances that a child will develop a mental health difficulty.

Human population

Skills

Biology

Human population

- Male gender;
- Increasing age;
- Low socio-economic status;
- Reduced household income;
- Living in an institution.

Return

Skills

- Poor social skills;
- Poor daily living skills;
- Poor communication skills.

Return

Biology

- Presence of intellectual disability;
- Epilepsy;
- Specific genetic syndrome.

Return

Risk factors (2)

- Poor physical health;
- Special educational needs/learning difficulties;
- Parents with mental health problems;
- Family discord, instability or disruption;
- Greater experience of punishment by parents;
- Experience of stressful life events;
- Experience of any form of physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect.

Questions

How can school-based staff currently screen for these risk and resilience factors?
How do you know that a child is more at risk?
What check lists or screening systems do you have and does each student have access to such a screening on entry? Is this reviewed on a regular basis?
Does the screening process involve parents or carers and outside agencies? If so, how, and to what extent and value?

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