Positive Identity

Search Institute articles
These articles will familiarize readers with the developmental assets framework and offer ideas for how to make asset building part of their daily routine. Each article is based on Search Institute's research and can be used in a variety of printed materials, including newsletters and newspapers (page 69, "Get the Word Out - Communication Tools and Ideas for Asset Builders Everywhere").
  1. Introduction to Developmental Assets
  2. Introduction to Asset Building
  3. Support
  4. Empowerment
  5. Boundaries and Expectations
  6. Constructive Use of Time
  7. Commitment to Learning
  8. Positive Values
  9. Social Competencies
  10. Positive Identity

Also Available Online: 40 Developmental Assets for Adolescents Download these valuable assets from the Search Institute's Website.  

See printable list of the 40 Assets...

You can nurture, celebrate, and affirm young people’s positive identity.

Figuring out who we are and how we fit in the world is a lifelong process, and not an easy one, for many. But numerous studies have shown that a positive attitude and high self-esteem really do have the power to brighten a young person’s future. In the developmental assets framework, those ideas come under the heading of positive identity.

Simply put, young people are more likely to thrive (and less likely to get into risky behaviors) when they:

  • Believe that they have the power to influence the things that happen to them;
  • Feel good about themselves and their abilities; and
  • Believe that their life has purpose and meaning and that their future will be positive.

You can help the young people in your neighborhood, school, workplace, and home gain these important qualities and beliefs. Here are some ideas for getting started:

  • Appreciate them for who they are. Young people are healthiest when they learn to value and like themselves regardless of what they look like, how well they do in school, or how good they are at sports, music, or other activities. In a culture that focuses on appearance and achievement, caring adults can make a critical difference by valuing individual young people for their own particular gifts, talents, skills, contributions, and potential.
  • Commit to helping all young people toward a positive future. Research show that, in general, boys have more positive perceptions of themselves than girls do – regardless of their abilities – so watch for time when girls can benefit from a little extra encouragement, support, and praise. Having a strong, positive cultural or ethnic identify can help adolescents form positive personal identities as well.
  • Show them how to do something practical (like change a tire or plan and cook a meal), then ask them to teach you something, too. In order to develop confidence in their abilities and to believe their actions and decisions matter, young people need opportunities to experience self-reliance, responsibility, and being resources to others.