The Research Behind ParentFurther

Behind our advice and approach are research-based information and tools that have been put to the test in the real world, as well as a panel of experts in parenting, child psychology, and related fields.

Developmental Assets

The core of our advice and approach to Positive Parenting is built on Search Institute’s Developmental Assets®.

“Developmental Assets“—a term coined by the researchers at Search Institute, a nonprofit organization in Minneapolis, Minnesota—are the most valuable resources that young people need in order to grow up to be successful, caring adults. These assets are 40 values, experiences, relationships, and qualities that bring many benefits to the young people who have them.

Learn more about Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets >

Developmental Assets are one valuable way to create a firm and loving balance within a family. Search Institute researchers have found that kids who experience high levels of assets are more likely to have

• higher self-esteem;
• more social skills;
• more friends;
• higher achievement in school;

• fewer problems with alcohol, smoking, and teenage sexual activity.⁵

While parents have a role in their child’s development, so do schools, child-care centers, neighbors, before- and after-school activities, congregations, and communities. Unfortunately many families feel isolated or not well connected to these resources. Being an authoritative parent doesn’t mean you have to figure everything out all by yourself. In fact, connecting with other caring adults will make your family stronger.

Sparks

Sparks help give young people joy and energy, meaning, purpose, and direction. Pursuing and developing sparks helps young people make positive choices about their activities and use of time, helps them fully reach their potential, and helps them contribute to their families, schools, and communities. Research indicates that young people with sparks lead more caring, responsible, healthy, and productive lives than those who do not have sparks.

• Learn more about Sparks >

A groundbreaking study on what teens need to succeed, Teen Voice 2009 measured three factors critical to the success of 15-year-olds. The study found that only 7% of teens have high levels of all three life experiences—“sparks” or passionate interests they pursue, relationships to help them pursue those deep interests, and a sense of voice or empowerment in their lives. Sponsored by Best Buy Children’s Foundation, this research shows a large gap in the support that American teens receive in their daily lives.

Download the report
Find out more about the study

Other Research Studies

In addition to Search Institute’s research on the 40 Developmental Assets, the following research studies contributed to the development of the information on ParentFurther.com:

• Building Strong Families 2004

Search Institute surveyed over 1,000 African-American and Latino/Latina parents about their challenges, perceptions, and asset-building actions, as well as the support they receive as parents. The results show that parents are trying to raise children in a complex society, too often with little or no support from their communities.
Download the summary report
Find out more about the study

• Building Strong Families 2002

This preliminary study preceded the 2004 study, providing information on the daily challenges that parents face and the supports that they feel would be helpful in raising their children.
Download the summary report
Find out more about the study

• Successful Young Adult Development

Prepared for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this study establishes 8 measures of the successful development of youth, many of which are central to ParentFurther.
Download the executive summary
Find out more about the study

• Grading Grown-Ups 2002

A follow-up to Grading Grown-Ups 2000, this study looks at the actions and responsibilities that both kids and adults think are important, as well as how the expectations placed on adults affect their contributions to kids’ lives. You can find many useful conversation starters on the Grading Grown-Ups 2002 page at Search Institute.
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Find out more about the study

• Grading Grown-Ups 2000

Almost 1,500 adults reported on their perceived capacity, responsibility, and motivation for contributing to the lives of young people. In addition to detailing what these adults think, the report examines how well they follow through on the actions that they say are important.
Download the report
Find out more about the study