Risk Factors

Risk factors are factors in a person's life that have been shown to increase the likelihood of mental illness or other negative outcomes, such as drug dependency or anti-social behaviour.


(Taken from the National Stocktake of Early Intervention Programs 1988)

Social and Family Risk Factors

  • Social and education difficulties
  • Marital conflict and parental divorce
  • Parenting difficulties
  • Parental mental illness
  • Parental death
  • Uncaring or over controlling parental style in childhood

Individual and Personality Factors

  • Poor self esteem
  • Learning difficulties
  • Same sex attracted
  • Impulsive behaviour
  • Negative outlook

Mental Health Factors

  • Previous suicidal behaviour
  • Previous mental health problems
  • Mental health disorders

Stressful Events

  • Early childhood abuse
  • Family violence, physical or sexual abuse
  • lack of control and a sense of hopelessness and opportunities for the future

Cultural and Social Factors

  • Low socio economic status
  • Stressful life events
  • School failure
  • Homelessness
  • Rurally isolated
  • Socially disadvantaged
  • Unemployed
  • Early school leaver