Positive Values

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 instill positive values to guide young people.

Values are the foundation for the choices we make and the way we think. Exploring and developing values is especially critical for adolescents as they develop personal identity.

In the developmental assets framework, positive values mean:

  • Caring about others, including being committed to equality and social justice;
  • Having high standards for personal character, such as being honest, having integrity, and taking responsibility; and
  • Believing in protecting your own well-being by refraining from sexual activity and alcohol or other drug use.

Young people’s values grow out of discovering what is important to them and what matters to people they care about. As part of this process, young people will “try on” different values to see if they fit and are comfortable. You can’t choose young people’s values, but you can help shape their values by talking about them, living yours, and explain their importance in your life.

Here are some points to keep in mind as you strive to guide and positively influence the young people in your family, school, workplace, and neighborhood:

  • Values should inspire, not just prohibit. Too often, the values we seek to instill in young people focus only on staying away from negative behaviors. This emphasis on what not to do gives little guidance for the majority of life choices. Young people also need to develop values such as responsibility and caring that guide their day-to-day actions and interactions in positive ways.
  • Values don’t always lead to actions. At times young people are torn between a value they hold strongly (such as not using alcohol) and another desired goal (such as peer acceptance). In these cases, developmental assets in the “positive identity” and “boundaries-and-expectations” categories play an important role in the final decision.
  • Families matter. Research shows that family factors such as close family relationships and parents’ caring and empathy for others are key to helping young people develop strong, positive values.
  • Consistent messages are vital. If young people are introduced to one set of values at home, another at school, another with friends, and yet another in the media and wider community, they are likely to be confused, frustrated, and unsure about what’s really important. The most effective way to instill values in youth is for adults and organizations that interact with young people to work together to develop a shared understanding and expression of what matters.