At-Risk Children
Synonyms
Definition
“Risk factor” is defined as a variable that precedes a negative outcome of interest. The presence of the variable increases the probability that the outcome will occur.
Description
Risk factors can include acute stressors as well as chronic adversity. Research has shown that the relationship between risk factors and quality of life can be partially explained by a number of mediating variables, including (a) number and severity of each risk factor, (b) length of exposure to the risk factor, and (c) presence or absence of positive supports available to the child (Walker & Shinn, 2002). Risk factors most commonly influencing child life quality can be categorized as (a) family factors, (b) child factors, and (c) environmental factors, which will be reviewed below.
Child-Specific Factors. Having poor social skills, low self-esteem, poor problem-solving skills, and explanatory styles attributing success to external events and...
References
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