Why Are the 40 Developmental Assets Important?
Search Institute has surveyed over two million youth across the United
States and Canada since 1989. Researchers have learned about the experiences,
attitudes, behaviors, and the number of Developmental Assets at work for
these young people. Studies reveal strong and consistent relationships between
the number of assets present in young people’s lives and the degree to which
they develop in positive and healthful ways. Results show that the greater
the numbers of Developmental Assets are experienced by young people, the
more positive and successful their development. The fewer the number of assets
present, the greater the possibility youth will engage in risky behaviors
such as drug use, unsafe sex, and violence.
The reality is that the average young person surveyed
in the United States experiences only 19 of the 40 assets. Overall, 59% of
young people surveyed have 20 or fewer of the 40 assets. In short, the
majority of young people in this country--from all walks of life--are lacking
in sufficient Developmental Assets needed for healthy development. These
statistics, as well as the role assets play in predicting both positive and
negative outcomes for youth, underscore the importance of the developmental
asset framework and its application.
Can Anything Be Done to Increase the Assets Young People Experience?
The answer is a resounding and hopeful yes! Adults and youth--in big and
small ways--can help increase Developmental Assets in the daily lives of young
people. What’s needed is an understanding of what actions and behaviors breed
success, willingness and ideas to apply that knowledge, and most importantly,
a desire to see young people grow up happy, healthy, and confident.
“Asset-building”--the Institute’s term for purposefully helping
youth experience more assets in their lives--is happening in hundreds of
communities by thousands of people across North America. Youth and adults—in big cities and small towns-- understand in growing numbers the awesome power
they have in making positive and lasting impact on the lives of young people.
Individually and together, they are actively engaged in the movement to grow
healthy communities and healthy youth.
Search Institute plays an integral role in this growing
asset-building movement. Through quality social research, we seek answers
to emerging and important questions about positive youth development and the
nature of social change. We also provide critical
resources,
networking,
training,
and community supports that include a wide range of publications and practical
asset-building tools, opportunities to network through on-line bulletin boards
and connection to state asset-building initiatives, a skilled staff of trainers
who bring the concepts and processes of asset-building to life, and an annual
conference at which thousands of asset builders gather to compare notes,
share insights, and celebrate successes.
