Adolescence is a time of profound change. Building internal and external assets gives young people the resources to deal with these challenges in a positive way.

There is no single asset that helps us overcome adversity. We can all mix and match to use a variety of these assets when facing difficult challenges. When young people experience adversity, they can use their strengths and assets to move forward in positive ways.

Developmental relationships with family, friends, and mentors help students to navigate challenges. These relationships provide young people with emotional support, guidance, and encouragement. When young people know they have someone to turn to during tough times, they feel more secure and confident when facing challenges. Developmental relationships also help young people develop a sense of belonging and self-worth, which are essential for overcoming adversity.

Let’s explore how developmental assets can help youth overcome difficult situations:

When young people exhibit destructive behaviors, it can be hard for them to find a good path forward. External supports such as family support and school boundaries can help young people examine thier behavior in a safe, structured environment. Internal supports such as peaceful conflict resolution, restraint, and planning and decision making can help young people to address future conflicts without using violence.

When parents each work multiple jobs, young people are at risk for engaing in unproductive or unhealthy activities during unsupervised times. External supports such as youth programs, family support, and other adult relationships can help youth stay engaged in healthy and meaningful activities and build developmental relationships with caring adults. Internal supports such as sense of purpose can help young people make healthy decisions in alignment with their goals, even during unsupervised hours.

When young people experience disappointment, such as finding out they didn’t make the team, external supports like positive peer influence and family support can help them to address these feelings and find a positive path forward. Internal supports such as school engagement and sense of purpose can help them continue to strive toward other goals.

Research from the Search Institute demonstrates that youth with 31-40 developmental assets demonstrate lower rates of unhealthy risk-taking in late adolescence and adulthood. It’s not hard to understand why: these internal and external supports help young people to examine their behavior and overcome difficult circumstances in a positive way.

Discover You™ curriculum builds developmental assets in youth, helping them to overcome adversity and to live their potential. Learn more at discoveryou.org.