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Another key principle of developmental psychopathology is examining both risk and protective factors to understand pathways of risk and resilience. Risk factors increase the likelihood of a negative outcome, whereas protective factors buffer against risk, decrease the likelihood of adverse outcomes, and promote successful outcomes. The remaining chapters in this book will include discussions of risk and protective factors for various forms of psychopathology. Risk factors can be acute stressful events, such as experiencing a trauma, exposure to violence, family divorce, or chronic adversity, such as living in poverty, negative parenting behavior, or parent mental illness. It is important to note that risk factors are not deterministic as not all individuals at risk develop psychopathology, but they increase the probability for adverse outcomes. Resilience refers to the capacity to avoid adverse outcomes and adapt successfully and competently, despite being at risk or experiencing adversity (Masten, 2007). This connects with our previously mentioned concept of multifinality, which suggests that a variety of outcomes (both adaptive and maladaptive) can emanate from common risk factors (see Figure 2.4). The study of protective factors is important for understanding family and child strengths that can reduce the impact of risk factors and lead to positive developmental outcomes. Ultimately, developmental psychopathologists hope to understand and identify at‐risk individuals and what factors may mitigate this risk to improve prevention and intervention efforts.

FIGURE 2.4 Common Risk and Protective Factors in Child Outcomes. Risk Factors Increase the Likelihood of a Negative Outcome, Whereas Protective Factors Buffer Against Risk, Decrease the Likelihood of Adverse Outcomes, and Promote Successful Outcomes