What Makes Families Strong?

In the past, most of the research on families focused on what was wrong with them, rather than what was right. Today, the research field is shifting and beginning to examine what makes a family strong. Search Institute, along with organizations such as the Harvard Family Research Project and the Family Strengthening Policy Center, is breaking new ground in the research area of strong families.

Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets framework focuses on some of the key aspects of family strengths, such as family support, positive family communication, and family boundaries. Many families use the asset framework not only to raise successful kids, but also to create closer families. For example, families that engage in service to others and spend time together at home find that these experiences strengthen their family life. Strong families are part of strong communities, and strong communities typically foster strong families.

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