2005 Maine Marks
Indicator: 22 - Youth With Positive Adults in Their Lives     
 

 

Why This Is Important

Modeling is a very powerful shaper of behavior for young people, especially when positive
behaviors are reinforced over and over again. Young people who have numerous positive
interactions with different adults in their community can develop close bonds to that community,
which protect them from engaging in risky behaviors. All young people need to be nurtured by
positive, caring adults.


 

 

 

Where We Stand

The trend on this indicator continues to be positive with little change in 2004, with the majority
of youth reporting at least three adults, other than parents/relatives, with a positive influence on
their lives. Only 17% of youth surveyed stated that they knew three or more adults who could be
negative role models (people who do dangerous things and who are a potentially negative influence).
Of interest for 2004 is that significantly more females (95%) than males (87%) report knowing three
or more adults, not parents or relatives, who offer them encouragement each time they see them.
There was no gender difference on any of the other items.

 

 

Data Sources and Context

This Maine Marks indicator is adapted from the work of the Search Institute
(www.search-institute.org) and their research into developmental assets of young people. The developmental assets framework is popular with many who work in the field of youth development.
The data source for this indicator is a statewide telephone survey of youth grades 9-12 conducted
by Critical Insights, a strategic marketing research firm in Portland, Maine. A total of 403 telephone interviews with Maine youth were done in November 2000, 402 in November 2001, 400 in
November 2002, and 400 in December 2004. Due to inadequate funding, there were no interviews conducted in 2003.

The youth were asked the following: “Tell me how many adults (not including your parents or
relatives) who you have known for at least two years:”

  • Give you encouragement whenever they see you
  • You look forward to spending time with
  • Spend a lot of time helping other people
  • Do things that are wrong or dangerous
  • Talk with you at least once a month.