Attitudes and Behaviors Survey (A&B)

The Attitudes and Behaviors survey provides youth-serving organizations with information about their students’ strengths and the competencies (developmental assets) they will need to be successful in school and beyond. Survey results can be used to develop and plan school or community-based supports for young people.

Intrapersonal competencies; Interpersonal competencies

2017

1988

160

None

Overall levels of developmental assets are reported in the aggregate.

There are 40 assets including a wide range of external assets and internal assets, 24 risk behaviors (including Drug Free Communities measures), ten high risk behavior patterns, five developmental deficits, and eight thriving indicators.

The measure is scored online.

Score reports include breakdowns by grade and other demographic categories, as well as reflective questions meant to guide discussion and score use.

Data was collected from youth in grades 6 through 12 in 213 U.S. cities and towns (N=99,462) (Leffert et al, 1998).

Internal consistency (alpha) estimates were calculated for all scales with three or more items. Internal consistency (Spearman-Brown) was estimated for all two-item scales. Estimates ranged from 0.40 to 0.82 (Leffert et al, 1998).

Evidence based on content

Content of scales was developed based on literature review (Scales & Leffert, 1999).

Evidence based on response processes

No information available in the references reviewed.

Evidence based on internal structure

Exploratory factor analysis found support for identifying 16 distinct scales (Leffert et al, 1998). There were systematic gender-based differences in responses, suggesting differences in experiences during adolescence (Leffert et al, 1998).

Evidence based on relations with other variables

Youth who have higher numbers of assets, are consistently less likely to experience risk behaviors, including alcohol, tobacco and drug use, antisocial behavior, and school problems (Leffert et al, 1998).