Characteristics of individuals or influences that increase the probability or risk of some negative outcome (e.g., cerebral palsy or a learning disorder). Typically, they are distinguished in terms of biological risk factors (e.g., preterm birth) and environmental or social risk factors (e.g., poverty, which is a risk factor for poor educational achievement).
See ‘At-risk’ concept, Behavior problems, Cardiovascular accidents (CVAs), Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Prospective cohort, Protective factors, Resilience, Risk mechanisms, Vulnerability