Assets, Developmental

Although there is increasing evidence that religion and spirituality can protect young people from problem behaviors, increase resilience, and promote thriving, the mechanisms underlying this association are unclear. The developmental assets framework offers a tool for exploring these links. Developed by Search Institute in the 1990s as a synthesis of research in adolescent development, prevention, resilience, and related fields, the framework identifies 40 experiences, relationships, opportunities, skills, and other qualities that form a foundation for healthy development (Table 1).

Studies of adolescents across North America show that developmental assets are a powerful predictor of their health and well-being, regardless of their race or ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or gender. The more assets that young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors (e.g., substance use, violence, and antisocial behavior), and the more likely they are to engage in thriving behaviors (e.g., valuing diversity, exhibiting leadership, and serving others). In addition, developmental assets are associated with religious and spiritual development on conceptual, empirical, and application levels.