The research affirms the need for externally-encouraged controls on behavior as an essential part of the adolescent's network of support. Few of us succeed in adult life without knowing how to exercise a certain amount of self-discipline. Successful adults know the necessity of exerting willpower to complete tasks long after the initial interest in the activity has waned. These are essential capacities which some youth easily learn, but which most need to absorb by having certain controls imposed throughout adolescence. Students know what their parents expect of their behavior and know the penalties for inappropriate behavior.
Parents see that students are disciplined for violating family rules.
Successful adult life also requires some disciplined structure one must often work at a task to meet given deadlines, not at one's own convenience or whim. Not only does structured time in adolescence prepare one for succeeding within the structures of adult life, but, according to this report, it accompanies lower involvement in at-risk behaviors during the adolescent years. Four elements fit into this category of external assets. All of them, though partly dependent on family decision, largely depend on activities provided and supervised by adult members of the community for youth. The hope is that the external supports outlined above will be kept in place while adolescents develop the internal strengths essential to carry them through later adolescence and into adulthood.