Abstract
Dimensional analysis clarifies the concept of protection, which has a commonly understood definition but is used inconsistently in research literature. Concepts such as protective factors and protective behaviors are often used interchangeably without adequately representing the phenomenon of protection itself. This article critiques a situation-specific theory of protection and presents dimensions of a model with an ecological view of protection. It uses dimensional analysis methods to derive the social construction of protection from its use in a broad range of literature; vigilant management and vigilant communication are salient dimensions of protection. The article compares conceptual literature with research literature to identify inconsistencies in use.