Search Institute’s research on spiritual development is providing groundbreaking insights into the importance this understudied side of human development. Read more about this innovative research below.
How do Youth View the Faith Community?
Search Institute surveyed over 1,500 youth in 15 U.S. congregations and gained insight into their perceptions of the congregations’ strengths, challenges, and areas of impact.
Developmental Assets, Attitudes, and Needs
By studying youth and youth workers in various congregations, Search Institute has begun to develop a picture of what the Developmental Assets can do for congregations.
- Youth Development in Congregations: An Exploration of Potential and Barriers (1995) (File is very large; please allow several minutes to download.)
- The Attitudes and Needs of Religious Youth Workers (1995)
The State of Youth in Faith Communities
Several studies have been undertaken with the objective of gaining a better idea of the overall state of youth in the church. These reports offer insights into current conditions.
- Shema: Listening to Jewish Youth (Study Highlights – 1995)
- Shema: Listening to Jewish Youth (Detailed Report – 1995)
- Youth in Protestant Churches (1993)
- Effective Christian Education: A National Study of Protestant Congregations (Summary – 1990)
- Effective Christian Education: A National Study of Protestant Congregations (Detailed report – 1990)
Creating a Positive Effect on Youth
Faith communities have a great potential for having positive effects on the lives of young people.
- Uniting Congregations for Youth Development (2000)
- Youth Development in Congregations: An Exploration of Potential and Barriers (1995)
Other Research Publications on Spiritual Development
- Search Institute Insights & Evidence is a free online periodical that interprets Search Institute’s research for policy and practice.
- You can find more research at the Center for Spiritual Development.
