The American Family Assets Study
The Search Institute conducted the most comprehensive national survey of family assets conducted in the U.S. to explore the link between family assets and measurable outcomes for young people, parenting adults, and families.
The Family Assets Index assesses how families “measure up” against the aspirational ideal we strive for in healthy, asset-rich families. Families were given a score from 0 to 100 based on how many assets they possessed.
Results
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Only 11% of families had enough family assets to get a score of "excellent"
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The average score was 47 - meaning that the average family surveyed had less than half the assets that characterizes a healthy family
What are Family Assets?
Relationships, opportunities, values, and self-perceptions that position family members to thrive.
The 5 Categories of Family Assets
Establishing
Routines
Family Meals
Shared Activities
Meaningful Traditions
Dependability
Connecting
Community
Neighborhood Bonds
Supportive Resources
Relationships with Others
Enriching Activities
Adapting to
Challenges
Adaptability
Managing Daily Tasks
Problem Solving
Democratic Decision-
Making
Maintaining
Expectations
Fair Rules
Clear Expectations
Contributions to Family
Defined Boundaries
Openness about
Tough Topics
Nurturing
Relationships
Emotional Openness
Positive Communication
Support for Sparks
Affection
The more assets a family has, the more likely the family is to...
Act in socially responsible ways
Participate in political activities
Spend time together serving their communities
Engage in
healthy behaviors
Improved
academic
engagement &
achievement