Ongoing research and practice provides additional evidence

The Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets™

The Search Institute released the Developmental Assets framework in 1990. This original framework included 30 assets. In 1996, the framework was expanded to 40 assets. Since then it has become frequently cited and widely used across the world. The Developmental Assets™ framework has been integrated into many youth programs, professional development for practitioners, youth assessments, and studies.

External Assets Internal Assets

Support

  • Family support
  • Positive family communication
  • Other adult relationships
  • Caring neighbourhood
  • Caring school climate
  • Parent involvement in schooling

Commitment to Learning

  • Achievement motivation
  • School engagement
  • Homework
  • Bonding to school
  • Reading for pleasure

Empowerment

  • Community values youth
  • Youth as resources
  • Service to others
  • Safety

Positive Values

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

Boundaries and Expectations

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

Social Competencies

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

Constructive Use of Time

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

Positive Identity

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