Yellow flags are best described as psychological and social factors that may impact prognosis.

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Yellow flags are about psychosocial factors that can shape recovery. They capture beliefs, emotions, coping styles, and social context that influence how someone experiences pain, adheres to treatment, and returns to work. Because these factors can slow progress or lead to poorer outcomes, they can meaningfully affect prognosis. That’s why the statement that they are often psychological and social factors that may influence prognosis is the best description. In contrast, labeling them as purely clinical findings ignores the important psychosocial influences, and saying they have no impact would overlook the evidence that these factors can change recovery trajectories.