Neighborhoods and Child Abuse: Multiple Informant Perspectives
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Summary
This study examines how neighborhood conditions influence child maltreatment. Using longitudinal data, the researchers found that both residents’ perceptions of neighborhood disorder and observed neighborhood characteristics were associated with physical assault, while perceived neighborhood conditions were also associated with psychological aggression. Positive perceptions of the neighborhood and favorable physical conditions were linked to lower levels of physical assault. No significant associations were found for neglect. The findings highlight the importance of neighborhood environments in understanding and addressing child maltreatment.
Topics: Child Maltreatment Prevention, Child Abuse and Neglect, Socio-Ecological Influences on Child Development, Neighborhood Influences on Child Wellbeing, Neighborhood and Community Influences on Family Wellbeing, Community-Level Risk Factors, Neighborhood Risk Factors
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Abstract
Introduction
Using data from the nationally representative longitudinal Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study, the current study sought to examine associations between neighborhood disorder and physical characteristics of the neighborhood at child age three with the likelihood of experiencing physical and psychological abuse and neglect at age five.
Methods
Negative binomial regression and zero inflated negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the associations.
Results
Resident perceptions of neighborhood disorder and outside observation of neighborhood physical characteristics were both found to be independently related to the likelihood of physical assault. Resident perceptions were related to psychological aggression. A more positive perception of the neighborhood environment for children (lack of neighborhood disorder) and physical characteristics of the neighborhood were protective against maltreatment. These relationships were not significant for neglect.
Discussion
Neighborhood environment is a crucial contributor to maltreatment risk. Findings from the present study showed that multiple perceptions of neighborhood quality were associated with lower risk for child physical assault and psychological aggression. Mothers' perceptions of a more positive neighborhood environment were associated with significantly lower physical assault and psychological aggression scores.