Theoretical Measurement Markers of Thriving in Adolescence
Search Institute has developed a list of 15 "thriving indicators," or constructive behaviors, postures, and commitments that societies value and need in youth. These indicators serve as a way of evaluating and analyzing program success based on positive outcomes, instead of negative ones; in other words, they allow us to talk about what's right with kids, instead of what's "wrong" with them.
| Elements of Thriving
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Measurement Markers of Thriving |
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1. Young Person
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1. Spark identification and motivation. Young person can name, describe interests and sparks that give them energy and purpose, and is motivated to develop their sparks. |
| 2. Positive emotionality. Young person is positive and optimistic. | |
| 3. Openness to challenge and discovery. Young person has intrinsic desire to explore new things, and enjoys challenges. | |
| 4. Hopeful purpose. Young person has a sense of purpose and sees self as on the way to a happy and successful future. | |
| 5. Moral and prosocial orientation. Young person sees helping others as a personal responsibility, and lives up to values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring. | |
| 6. Spiritual development. Young person affirms importance of a sacred or transcendent force and the role of their faith or spirituality in shaping everyday thoughts and actions. |
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2. The Young Person’s Developmental Contexts
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Opportunities & Supports. Young person experiences chances to grow and develop their sparks, as well as encouragement and support in pursuing their sparks, from multiple life contexts.
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3. Young Person’s Active Role in Shaping Contexts
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14. Youth Action to develop and pursue sparks.Young person seeks and acts on adult guidance, studies or practices, and takes other actions to develop their sparks and fulfill their potential. |
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4. Developmental Contexts Act on the Young Person
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15. Frequency of Specific Adult Actions. How often adults do concrete things to motivate, enable, and push young people to develop their sparks and connect them to others who can help. |
Table developed from factor analysis reported in Benson, P.L., & Scales, P.C. (2009). The definition and preliminary measurement of thriving in adolescence. Journal of Positive Psychology, 4, 85-104.
