Risk Factors:
Personal or social factors that increase the likelihood of a problem occurring (Hutchison et. al, 2011, p. 509). |
Protective Factors:
Personal and societal factors that reduce or protect against risk factors (Hutchison et. al, 2011, p. 509). |
"Knowledge of risk and protective factors related to the adulthood transition can help social work assess young adult clients' current challenges, vulnerabilities, strengths, and potentials" (Hutchison et. al, 2011, p. 300).
Practice Recommendations/ Therapy Styles:
•Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Helps the young adult to change negative styles of thinking and behavior that may contribute to the risk factor causing the situation.
•Interpersonal Therapy: Helps the young adult work through personal relationships that maybe contributing to the risk factor.
•Strengths Based Approach: Highlighting the strengths of the young adult to creative a positive client and practitioner relationship.
•Intrapersonal Approach: This helps the young adult create a sense of self awareness and self worth.Implications for Social
Work Practice in Dimensions of Human Behavior (2011):
- Recognize that social roles during emerging adulthood may be different from those later in young adulthood.
- Explore cultural values, family expectations, attitudes toward gender roles, and environmental constraints/resources that may influence life structure decisions and opportunities when working with young adult clients.
- Assess specific work, family, and community conditions as they pertain to young adult clients' psychological and social well-being; be aware of any caregiving roles young adults may be playing.
- Understand the ways that social systems promote or deter people from maintaining or achieving health and well-being (p. 301).