Protective factors can be defined as:

Protective factors are defined as characteristics that are associated with a lower likelihood of negative outcomes and an increased likelihood of positive outcomes, particularly regarding health and well-being. The option that identifies individual and family-level characteristics linked to better health aligns with this definition, highlighting that these factors can enhance resilience and promote healthier behaviors among individuals and families.

These protective factors can include elements such as strong family support, good coping skills, positive relationships with peers, and access to health resources, all of which contribute to improving health outcomes and mitigating the effects of risk factors. Understanding these characteristics is essential in prevention work, as they can help guide interventions aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing the incidence of negative health outcomes.