Teen survey targets at-risk behaviors

Questions about positive family communication, conflict resolution and self-esteem are just three of the 40 topics addressed in a nationwide survey conducted by the Minneapolis-based Search Institute.

Since 1996, more than 1.5 million teenagers have taken the survey, which seeks to identify "internal and external developmental assets," those factors that have a positive impact on a kid's life. The survey is conducted with the help of Lutheran Brotherhood, the nonprofit Search Institute's corporate sponsor.

Dick Timm, agency resource manager with the Lutheran Brotherhood's Billings office, is w...