This review advances a theoretical framework, describing the development of vulnerability perceptions in health and illness. The factors involved in both healthy and maladaptive behaviour patterns and dysfunctional cognitive or emotional beliefs were emphasized, taking into account conceptual differences between susceptibility, probability and risk.

Factors such as attention bias, cognitive distortions or positive illusions are relevant for both the frequency and intensity of a vulnerable state. In order to better determine whether risk factors can become relevant for a given individual, clinicians should use reliable, multifaceted instruments to accurately assess individual vulnerabilities in order to predict and prevent risk-taking behaviours.

Results advance a range of perceptual perspectives that shape individual vulnerability, a terminological conceptualization which can help clinicians better estimate the degree of risk faced by different vulnerable groups when maintaining illusory or distorted beliefs. This way, intervention strategies can better address the dimensions that could transform in risk factors for increased distress or disability in the long.