--- title: Reframing Adult-Youth Relationships | Search Institute description: It’s almost a throwaway line to say, “It’s all about relationships.” Here's what we learned when we asked people about the roles that adults play in the lives of youth. image: https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Relational-Mindsets-Are-a-Foundation-of-relationship%E2%80%91Rich-Organizations.jpg --- Theme + Migration = $1489 (Pay for the Theme Only). [Learn More.](https://www.lpd-themes.com/migration) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [BLOG](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [DONATE](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [CONTACT](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) [Why Relationships Matter and How to Get Started](https://searchinstitute.org/relationships-matter-get-started) Understand the foundations of developmental relationships and the power you have to strengthen those relationships for all young people to learn and grow. [Resources Tailored to Your Role](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Resource%20Audience) Tools to support everyone who works with young people — educators, youth program workers, schools and youth program leaders, and community members [Resources Related to the Setting Where Relationships Take Place](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Setting) Young people thrive when they experience a broader web of relationships, build strong relationships in a class or program, at home, and across your organization. [Resources on Key Topics](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Topics) Relationships are key across several disciplines including family systems, social and emotional development, social capital, and community development. [Resources in Your Favorite Format](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?resourceTypes=Activity,Book,Guide,Journal%20Article,Measure%20/%20Assessment%20/%20Evaluation,Relational%20Practice,Report%20/%20Brief,Tool%20/%20Playbook,Video) Explore tools, frameworks, activities, guides, measures, and other research-based resources to build strong relationships with all young people. [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - BLOG - SHOP - DONATE - CONTACT - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) # Blog November 07, 2019 2 Minutes Read By : [Eugene C. Roehlkepartain, Ph.D., Senior Scholar](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/eugene-c-roehlkepartain-ph-d-senior-scholar) Topics Developmental Relationships Research Developmental Assets Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Youth Programs Provide Support Family Engagement Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) SI Spotlight Social Capital Share Power Solutions Youth Thriving Education / School Expand Possibilities Student Voice Challenge Growth Summer Scholars Thriving Youth Voice Express Care Sparks Data Insights Faith Field Partner Spotlight LGBTQ+ Workshops Relationship Ready Schools Conversation Starters Sports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) # Reframing Adult-Youth Relationships [![Share on twitter](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Freframing-youth-relationships%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Freframing-youth-relationships%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Freframing-youth-relationships%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Freframing-youth-relationships%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) ![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Relational-Mindsets-Are-a-Foundation-of-relationship%E2%80%91Rich-Organizations.jpg) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) # Reframing Adult-Youth Relationships By [Eugene C. Roehlkepartain, Ph.D., Senior Scholar](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/eugene-c-roehlkepartain-ph-d-senior-scholar) November 06 2019 2 Minutes Read It’s almost a throwaway line to say, “It’s all about relationships.” We use it to sell cars, computers, and coffee. We train doctors and nurses to work on their bedside manners. We script call center operators to make sure even unhappy customers “have a nice day.” Teachers attend in-service workshops to be inspired to connect with students. Basketball stars make commercials to entice fans to mentor youth. And yet, when we ask people on the street about the roles that adults play in teenagers’ development (which Search Institute [commissioned FrameWorks Institute to do](https://www.search-institute.org/reframing-developmental-relationships/); see display), most see little if any meaningful role. Most Americans believe kids are parents’ responsibility, and if parents mess up, adults can be “caring,” but that’s about it. ![relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/relationships-gaps-chart-2-2.png?width=1024&height=768&name=relationships-gaps-chart-2-2.png) Those attitudes stand in sharp contrast with a large and growing body of research showing the power of deep, multi-dimensional relationships for young people’s development. We also have compelling evidence that these relationships can play vital roles in healing from trauma, resilience, academic learning, social-emotional development, and multiple area of thriving. Furthermore, there’s emerging evidence that relationships are the “active ingredient” in effective programs for children and youth. Yet we rush passed relationships to purchase the latest packaged solution, and we increase class sizes to cut costs. And we wonder why outcomes don’t improve. **Relationships matter. But we don’t seem to really believe it.** We mostly don’t invest in relationships individually, as a society, or even in the institutions dedicated to the young. We’re left with at least three challenges if we are to grow the deep relational roots young people need to be resilient and successful: 1. We must **reframe the conversation** with adults and youth so that they see themselves as not only having a stake in young people’s success, but also seeing themselves as part of the solution. 2. We must **innovate, improve, and share relational practices** within and across settings that serve young people, reinforcing the multi-dimensionality of relationships and the complementary roles that many people in young people’s lives play in cultivating those relationships. Search Institute’s [framework of developmental relationships](https://www.search-institute.org/developmental-relationships/developmental-relationships-framework/) seeks to articulate five elements of relationships in a way that it accessible and relevant to many different relationships. 3. We must **reimagine the role of technology, programs, and policies** as reinforcing relationships rather than replacing or undermining relationships. How can our programs and curricula be designed in ways that scaffold relationships, increasing our capacity to be *intentional* and *inclusive* in how we build the kinds of relationships that all the young people need to grow up successfully? Each of these challenges is, in itself, daunting. And yet, many leaders in many fields have laid the groundwork. Furthermore, many cultures around the world have much to teach us from the individualistic, competitive Western mindset. In this time of social fragmentation, isolation, and divisiveness, there is a readiness—even an urgency and yearning—for authentic relationships and meaningful connections. Perhaps the time is now. [![Download the Relationship-Rich Organizations Briefs](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6693290/5f894839-1f10-47a7-ae8c-c12788267764.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6693290/5f894839-1f10-47a7-ae8c-c12788267764) [Developmental Relationships, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) #### Eugene C. Roehlkepartain, Ph.D., Senior Scholar Author ## Recommended For You [Share Power](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/share-power) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Sparks](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/sparks) 1 Min Read ### [Youth Activism in Your Community](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/youth-activism) [searchinstitute April 04 2018](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/searchinstitute) [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ROI-1-3-2.png)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/theory-gets-practical-developmental-relationships-framework) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Research](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/research) 4 Min Read ### [When Theory Gets Practical: The Value of the Developmental Relationships Framework](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/theory-gets-practical-developmental-relationships-framework) [Eugene C. Roehlkepartain, Ph.D., Senior Scholar February 16 2021](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/eugene-c-roehlkepartain-ph-d-senior-scholar) 4 Min Read ### [How Positive Teacher-Student Relationships Impact Student Motivation](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/positive-teacher-student-relationships-impact-student-motivation) [Eric Kalenze December 19 2016](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/eric-kalenze) ![search-footerlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/search-footerlogo.png "search-footerlogo") ## Search Institute 2550 University Avenue West Suite 200N St. Paul, MN 55114 800.888.7828 612.376.8955 i[nfo@searchinstitute.org](mailto:info@searchinstitute.org) - [Research](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [Solutions](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [Insights](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [Funders & Partners](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [About](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [Blog](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [Donate](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [Contact](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [Subscribe to our Newsletter](https://searchinstitute.org/subscribe-to-our-enewsletter) - [Cancellations, Returns & Refunds](https://searchinstitute.org/cancellations-returns-refunds) - [Public Records](https://searchinstitute.org/nonprofit-status-public-records) - [Permissions Request Form](https://survey.search-institute.org/s3/Permissions-Request-Form) - [Keep Connected](http://keepconnected.searchinstitute.org/) ©2024 Search Institute | [Terms of Use](https://www.search-institute.org/terms-of-use/) Search Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. 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