Developmental Relationships Framework: 40 Assets

In 1990, Search Institute released a framework of 40 Developmental Assets, which identifies a set of skills, experiences, relationships, and behaviors that enable young people to develop into successful and contributing adults. Over the following two decades, the Developmental Assets framework and approach to youth development became the most frequently cited and widely utilized in the world, creating what Stanford University's William Damon described as a "sea change" in development.

Studies of more than 4 million young people across the United States (as well as studies in other countries) consistently show that the more Developmental Assets young people have, the more likely they are to be prepared for life and the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors.

Read the latest Research Update.

Assets Matter for Youth from Many Backgrounds and Contexts

This research demonstrates the power of assets across different groups of youth in North America, including:

• gender
• age
• socioeconomic status
• race/ethnicity
• special needs status

Click Below to Read More About Each Component