Developmental assets

National research conducted by Minneapolis-based Search Institute has shown that the more developmental assets young people have, the more likely they are to make positive life choices and engage in fewer risk behaviors. The following list identifies these developmental assets.

Support

• Family support
  Positive family communications
• Other adult relationships
• Caring neighborhood
• Caring school climate
• Parent involvement in schooling

Empowerment

• Community values youth
• Youth given useful roles
• Community service
• Safety

Boundaries and expectations

• Family boundaries
• School boundaries
• Neighborhood boundaries
• Adult role models
• Positive peer influence
• High expectations

Time

• Creative activities
• Youth programs
• Religious community
• Time at home

Educational commitment

• Motivation to achieve
• School performance
• Homework
• Bonding to school
• Reading for pleasure

Values 

• Caring
• Equality and social justice
• Integrity
• Honesty
• Responsibility
• Restraint

Social competencies

• Planning and decision-making
• Interpersonal competence
• Cultural competence
• Resistance skills
• Peaceful conflict resolution

Positive identity

• Personal control
• Self-esteem
• Sense of purpose
• Positive view of personal future