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- Title
The Relationship between Neighborhood Safety and Adolescent Substance Use: The Role of Self-Esteem and Social Support.
- Authors
Pederson, Casey A.; Khazvand, Shirin; Clifton, Richelle L.; Carroll, Peyton A.; Carson, Ian; Harvey, Jenna; Barnes-Najor, Jessica; Zapolski, Tamika C. B.
- Abstract
The current study aims to examine the direct effect of perceptions of neighborhood safety on youth substance use (i.e., tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, other drugs). The study also aims to examine whether the risk pathway operates indirectly through self-esteem, and whether adult or peer support moderates this effect. Using an archival dataset, participants included 8461 youth (80.8% white, 54.2% female) between grades 6–10 completed measures on lack of neighborhood safety, self-esteem, substance use, and social support from parents, peers, and teachers. After controlling for demographic variables, lack of neighborhood safety was associated with greater substance use, with the risk pathway operating indirectly through self-esteem. Support from parents and teachers/staff were found to moderate the risk pathway, such that the effect of neighborhood safety on substance use decreased with increased support. These moderating effects were dependent on the type of substance being used: Based on the study findings, targeting self-esteem and fostering adult support systems may help reduce the negative effect perceptions of lack of neighborhood safety have on youth substance use outcomes. Highlights: Using a large sample of diverse adolescents, the relationship between neighborhood safety and substance use was tested. The mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of social support were evaluated. Lack of neighborhood safety was associated with increased frequency of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and other drug use. Self-esteem was a mediator, with less neighborhood safety related to lower self-esteem and thereby greater substance use. Social support moderated the indirect effect, with the social support of adults (i.e., parents, teachers) being influential.
- Subjects
SUBSTANCE abuse prevention; SUBSTANCE abuse risk factors; SAFETY; AFFINITY groups; SOCIAL support; ALCOHOLISM; CANNABIS (Genus); SELF-perception; SCHOOL administrators; RISK assessment; PSYCHOLOGY of middle school students; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; PSYCHOLOGY of high school students; FACTOR analysis; TEACHERS; SMOKING; DRUGS of abuse; PSYCHOLOGY of school children; PARENTS; ADOLESCENCE
- Publication
Journal of Child & Family Studies, 2022, Vol 31, Issue 11, p3234
- ISSN
1062-1024
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10826-022-02452-5