noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
promotion; encouragement; fostering
Neutral or positive sense: actively helping something grow, develop, or spread. Often used with abstract nouns like 成長, 発展, 交流.
政府は地域経済の成長を助長する政策を打ち出した。
The government announced policies to promote the growth of the regional economy.
This system aims to foster international exchange.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
unwanted help; unnecessary help; disservice
Negative sense: help that is not needed and ends up causing harm or making things worse. Often implies meddling or over-assistance. Common in the set phrase 過ぎたるは及ばざるが如し（助長）.
親の過保護がかえって子どもの自立を妨げる助長になることもある。
Parental overprotection can sometimes become unwanted help that hinders a child's independence.
彼のアドバイスは助長でしかなく、状況を悪化させた。
His advice was nothing but a disservice and made the situation worse.