Understanding the Developmental Assets Framework
Anglin P. Thevaraja
Montclair State University, 2024
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Positive youth development focuses on nurturing the strengths, assets, and potential of young people to help them thrive and lead fulfilling lives (Lulie & Wondie 2024).
The Search Institute (linked here)
Founded in 1958 by Dr. Merton P. Strommen
Initially focused on serving churches and religious organizations
Expanded to serve broader audiences, including schools and communities
Developed the Developmental Assets Framework (DAF) in the late 1980s and early 1990s
Conducts research, develops resources, and provides training & consultation services
What is DAF?
Used with youth from 3-18 years
Early childhood (3-5 years)
Children K-3 (5-9 years)
Middle Childhood (8-12 years)
Adolescents (12-18 years)
Framework identifies 40 essential building blocks (assets) of positive youth development
Categorized into external and internal assets
Emphasizes nurturing strengths and supports in young people
External assets refer to the positive experiences, relationships, and opportunities that young people receive from their environment.
These assets are external to the individual
Separated into 4 categories:
Support
Empowerment
Boundaries and Expectations
Constructive Use of Time
Internal assets refer to the positive qualities, values, and skills that young people develop within themselves.
These assets are internal to the individual
Separated into 4 categories:
Commitment to Learning
Positive Values
Social Competencies
Positive Identity
Asset accumulation is different based on age group
Early Childhood: Parent(s) and/or primary caregiver(s) provide the child with high levels of consistent and predictable love, physical care, and positive attention in ways that are responsive to the child’s individuality.
Adolescents: Family life provides high levels of love and support.
Examples of DAF in Research
Wood et al., 2024
Explores the implementation of a PYD program in Ecuador, while focusing on the strengthening of internal/external assets of indigenous youth. DAF is used to assess the program’s impact on youth development.
Perrigo et al., 2024
Explores the developmental strengths and needs of multilingual kindergartners, emphasizing an asset-based approach and celebrating linguistic diversity through the DAF.
Ozpinar & Kalinyazgan, 2024
Explores the potential of blockchain technology in education, focusing on the K12Net ecosystem. It discusses how blockchain can enhance the management and dissemination of educational assets, guided by the DAF.
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