Predicting early adulthood outcomes from adolescent developmental assets: Operationalization and longitudinal analysis of internal and external resources

Grounded in the Positive Youth Development paradigm, the Developmental Assets Framework identifies internal and external assets—a range of individual and environmental resources (e.g., self-esteem and family support)—that promote healthy development. This study operationalized a subset of 23 assets across adolescence form ages 12 to 17 using data from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (n = 1245; 86% White, 80% French-speaking) to assess developmental trajectories, and associations to mental health and behavior in early adulthood. Growth curve models revealed that external assets at age 12—but not change over time—was associated with depressive symptoms and prosocial behaviors at age 20. In contrast, internal assets’ initial levels and/or changes were associated with depressive symptoms, prosocial and antisocial behaviors, and problematic alcohol use at age 20. These findings highlight the potential long-term influence of youth resources on adult psychosocial functioning. Replication is needed in longitudinal studies using purpose-designed measures of developmental assets.