Performance of Protective Factors Assessment in Risk Prediction for Adults: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Protective factors are neglected in risk assessment in adult psychiatric and criminal justice populations. This review investigated the predictive efficacy of selected tools that assess protective factors. Five databases were searched using comprehensive terms for records up to J une 2014, resulting in 17 studies ( n  = 2,198). Results were combined in a multilevel meta‐analysis using the R ( R C ore T eam, R: A Language and Environment for Statistical Computing, V ienna, A ustria: R F oundation for S tatistical C omputing, 2015) metafor package ( V iechtbauer, J ournal of S tatistical S oftware, 2010, 36 , 1). Prediction of outcomes was poor relative to a reference category of violent offending, with the exception of prediction of discharge from secure units. There were no significant differences between the predictive efficacy of risk scales, protective scales, and summary judgments. Protective factor assessment may be clinically useful, but more development is required. Claims that use of these tools is therapeutically beneficial require testing.