Protective factors refer to personal or environmental characteristics that contribute to a person's resilience and ability to cope with adversity or negative experiences. These factors are believed to help individuals maintain positive mental health and prevent the development of mental health disorders or other negative outcomes. Protective factors can include individual traits such as self-esteem, problem-solving skills, and positive coping strategies, as well as external factors such as social support, access to resources, and a stable home environment. Research in this area seeks to identify and understand the mechanisms through which these protective factors operate, and how they can be effectively promoted or enhanced to improve mental health outcomes.