Public Health and Environment

Teen Health Assets

The Search Institute of Minneapolis, MN has spent 40 years studying young people's attitudes, behaviors and needs. In 1990 Search identified 40 assets that form the foundation for healthy development. According to Search, these assets are key factors that enhance the health and well being of young people.

The more assets young people experience, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high risk behavior and more likely to engage in positive behaviors. The assets are structured as external assets, the building blocks that are available through family, community and school. There are also internal assets which include the individual's personal values, identity and social competencies.