The role of neighborhood collective efficacy in moderating associations between adversity and internalizing and externalizing problems in adolescents.

Abstract

Neighborhood collective efficacy is associated with lower internalizing and externalizing problems. There is evidence that neighborhood factors may moderate associations between child adversity and behavior problems (e.g., Riina et al., 2014). There is a limited understanding of whether neighborhood collective efficacy moderates the associations between adversity (threat/deprivation) and internalizing and externalizing problems. Our study tested these associations in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (n = 2666). Parental disengagement (deprivation) and parental harshness (threat) severity scores from ages 1-9 years were calculated by using caregiver report. Neighborhood collective efficacy, including its components informal social control and social cohesion, was reported at age 9. Internalizing and externalizing problems were reported at age 15. The lowest level of internalizing problems was reported for adolescents living in neighborhoods with high neighborhood collective efficacy who also experienced low parental disengagement. Among adolescents who lived in neighborhoods with high neighborhood collective efficacy or high informal social control at age 9, higher parental disengagement was associated with higher externalizing problems at 15. Further research is needed to understand complex associations between adversity, neighborhood collective efficacy, and adolescent behavior problems.