Attitudes and Behaviors (A&B) Survey
The Attitudes and Behaviors (A&B) Survey gives a snapshot of the current experiences and perspectives of your adolescent youth in your school, program, or community. It emphasizes the strengths and supports they currently have and need, and how those positive indicators protect against youth risk behavior.
The Attitudes & Behaviors Survey is a reliable and valid assessment of the strengths, supports, and social-emotional factors essential for young people’s success in school and life. This widely used survey grows out of more than 20 years of research with millions of young people based on Search Institute’s framework of Developmental Assets.
By using this survey, you will:
- Discover the strengths and supports that young people have
- Hear the perspective of young people themselves
- Learn about risk behaviors and thriving indicators that are impacting your youth
- Gain a roadmap to guide you in proactive and focused planning to increase success in school and in life
- Enable adults to better understand the youth voice in their community and create actionable strategies in all sectors
The Attitudes and Behaviors Survey measures:
40 Developmental Assets, which look at external supports and internal strengths
24 youth risk behavior elements (e.g., substance use, sexual activity, antisocial behavior)
10 high-risk behavior patterns
Key social and emotional skills
8 thriving indicators (succeeds in school, helps others, values diversity, maintains good health, exhibits leadership, resists danger, delays gratification, overcomes adversity)
5 developmental deficits (alone at home, TV overexposure, physical abuse, victim of violence, drinking parties)
Surveys That Fit Your Needs
Survey Purpose
The Attitudes and Behavior survey is intended to provide data so you can develop asset-building strategies and create positive visions and actions for youth. It has become a catalyst for thousands of communities, schools, programs, to enhance the well being of young people.
In addition, the Attitudes and Behaviors survey also has been used to:
Assist state and local educators in monitoring indicators related to student well-being
Set priorities and strategies for programs and services
Provide a common framework for cross-sector collaboration
Provide data for grant writing
Provide data for reports to funding agencies
Provide a “youth voice” in organizational and community planning
Read about how the A&B survey has helped transform one California community.
Survey Details
Recommended Users: Communities, Schools, Coalitions, Community Initiatives, Municipalities, Public Health Organizations, Prevention Organizations Grades: 6-12 Validated as a pre- and post-measure to measure change over time? No (Primarily used to monitor trends) Minimum youth needed for report: 50 Number of items on survey: 160 questions Administered: Online Time to Complete: 30 minutes Always included: Optionally Included: Cost: For more information on the Attitudes & Behaviors Survey, please click on one of the links below:
Need Assistance?
For questions about surveys, please visit our Survey FAQ page fill out the Survey Assistance Form and a Search Institute representative will contact you.