Perceived Neighborhood Safety and Psychological Distress: Exploring Protective Factors

Authors

Jaime Booth, Arizona State University
Stephanie L. Ayers, Arizona State University
Flavio F. Marsiglia, Arizona State University

Keywords

Psychological distress, neighborhood safety, ecological systems theory, Arizona adults

Abstract

While a growing body of literature has established a relationship between "disordered" neighborhoods and psychological distress, less is known about the specific mechanisms at work. Using data collected in the 2008 Arizona Health Survey (N = 4,196), hierarchal linear regression was conducted to assess both the independent effect of perception of neighborhood safety on psychological distress, as well as the mediating effects of powerlessness, social isolation and mistrust. The findings suggest that the more safe individuals feel in their neighborhood, the less psychological distress they experience (b = 1.07, SE = .17, p < .001). This relationship appears to be partially mediated by feelings of powerlessness, social isolation and mistrust, indicating potential risk and protective factors.

Recommended Citation

Booth, Jaime; Ayers, Stephanie L.; and Marsiglia, Flavio F. (2012) "Perceived Neighborhood Safety and Psychological Distress: Exploring Protective Factors," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 39: Iss. 4, Article 8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3703
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol39/iss4/8