Conversely, a lack of commitment to school appears to be a risk factor. Early initiation is a consistent risk factor for all problem behaviors. Some factors pose increased risk at different points during development. The greater the number of risk factors to which one is exposed, the greater is his or her risk. A number of common risk factors during development appear to predict diverse problems.
Risk factors operate similarly across ethnic groups.
The exposure to risk is apparently buffered by protective factors. A combination of individual traits, social connectedness, and clear healthy standards for behavior appears to protect young people from developing health and behavior problems. The focus must have an impact on the targeted factors so as to change the degree of risk. The focus must include increasing protective factors. Alternative programs should be developed at appropriate developmental stages.