Search Institute defines developmental relationships as close connections through which young people discover who they are, gain abilities to shape their own lives, and learn how to interact with and contribute to the world around them.
Instead of being transactional, they include an emotional connection without expectations. Instead of being one directional, they make space for adults and young people to share what they think. They change over time. And, relationships are not only about expressing care. For example, as youth and adults build trust, they are more able to give and receive constructive feedback. As trust grows, young people also tend to have more say about what happens in the relationship.