The Girl Scout Research Institute, formed in 2000, conducts original research, evaluation, and outcomes measurement studies, releases critical facts and findings, and provides resources essential for the advancement of the well-being and safety of girls living in today's world.

Good Intentions: The Beliefs and Values of Teens and Tweens Today

The Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) has recently released the study Good Intentions: The Beliefs and Values of Teens and Tweens Today, which compares the beliefs, values and commitments that youth express today with those from youth of 20 years ago. While media portrayals often depict youth as irresponsible, lazy and morally corrupt, the GSRI study offers a different perspective, in which youth are responsible to themselves and others and value being involved in their communities. It also sheds light on an emerging generation that in many ways is more committed to these values than were their predecessors 20 years ago.

The major findings of the research are that youth today:

• Say they will make responsible choices and refrain from risky behaviors.
• Value diversity and acceptance.
• Demonstrate a strong sense of civic commitment and engagement.
• Say they can withstand peer pressures and are willing to stand up for themselves.
• Are strongly influenced by parents, families, and religion when confronting moral dilemmas and ethical decisions. As well, youth employ their own moral compasses to make decisions.
• Differ by gender in some attitudes and how they approach certain decisions.

For the full report, click here.