Perceived Community Cohesion Research Articles

Factors affecting outdoor physical activity (OPA) in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AimThe outdoor physical activity (OPA) of children and adolescents in the "Z" era decreased sharply compared with the previous generation, and the purpose of this study is to explore the factors that influence children and adolescents’ participation in OPA. MethodFor this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Eric, PsycArtical, PsycINFO, Pubmed, Pubmed, Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science Core Collection, CNKI, and the search ending date was March 20, 2024.The quality of the evidence was assessed with the crosssectional study tool (Appraisal tool for Cro-SS-Sectional Studies, AXIS).Employing meta-analysis to evaluate the strength of evidence for the influencing factors. ResultsResults show that, in the dimension of basic demographic characteristics, parents' educational level and family income are significant factors affecting children and adolescents' participation in OPA. In the dimension of family characteristics, parents' attitudes towards their children and adolescents' participation in OPA, as well as their encouragement and support, are significant factors influencing participation, but the factor of parents' attitudes is unstable. In the dimension of perceived social environment, perceived community cohesion, community safety, and peer support are significant factors affecting children and adolescents’ participation in OPA, but the factors of community safety and peer support are unstable. In the dimension of the physical environment, access to activity facilities is the only significant influencing factor. SuggestionThe factors affecting the participation of children and adolescents in OPA are relatively complex. It is suggested to consider building child-friendly communities from many aspects to increase OPA for children and adolescents to enhance their physical health and mental health.

Status and Social Capital: A Cross-Sectional Quantitative Investigation of Flood Survivors in South Punjab, Pakistan

A growing body of evidence underscores that social capital mitigates the impact of natural hazards such as floods. But we know less about the distribution of social ties in developing countries regularly hit by shocks. Our study examined the differences between demographic groups in South Punjab, Pakistan affected by the 2010 floods, comparing respondents’ levels of social capital measured through proxies such as received social support, perceived community cohesion, accessibility to leadership, and general level of trust. We carried out univariate and multivariate analyses of factors including gender, education, occupation, landholding, family size, annual income, number of livestock, and home stability. Using data collected in face-to-face interviews with 450 flood survivors, our analysis showed no statistically significant difference in the flood victims’ scores on all four scales based on gender and family size. However, education, occupation, landholding, annual income, and home stability statistically correlated with levels of social capital. Respondents with high levels of education, high levels of land, higher home stability, and a government job typically had higher scores in all four measurements of social ties. Our results show strong inequality in the distribution of social capital, with better connections and assistance coming to those who already have better socioeconomic positions in society.

Basic human values and sense of community as resource and responsibility

AbstractThe study aimed at exploring the relationship between basic human values and sense of community (SOC). Specifically, it aimed at identifying which types of values exert an impact, whether these values are consistent with SOC as a resource and responsibility (SOC‐R), and whether the values‐SOC/SOC‐R relations change according to some community characteristics (i.e., stability and cohesion). The 1,334 participants in the survey were based in different local communities and completed a self‐report questionnaire containing measures of values, SOC, SOC‐R, perceived community cohesion, and stability. Results revealed a consistent pattern of values‐SOC/SOC‐R relations that support each of the respective theories and confirmed that SOC and SOC‐R are two separate constructs. Values sustaining SOC/SOC‐R (i.e., self‐transcendence and conservation) were also shown to increase SOC/SOC‐R when communities were perceived as low in stability and cohesion. Finally, the implications and limitations of the study are discussed.

Investigating the relationships between social capital, chronic health conditions and health status among Australian adults: findings from an Australian national cohort survey

BackgroundSocial capital is a collective attribute of communities that determines health and well-being of populations. The collective resources in a high social capital community have been reported to result in better health outcomes. While evidence supports the links between social capital and various health outcomes, it is not clear about underlying mechanisms connecting multiple dimensions of social capital to health.MethodsUsing the two-wave data from a nationally representative cohort study of Australian adults (N = 16,637), this study examined the effects of two dimensions of social capital (i.e., structural and cognitive social capital) on physical and mental health in the Australian adult population. Based on prior literature and theoretical reasoning, it was anticipated that the structural and cognitive social capital would influence self-assessed health status (physical and mental health). Additionally, these two dimensions of social capital were hypothesized to moderate the relationships between chronic health conditions and these two aspects of health status.ResultsAnalyses showed that the effects of chronic health conditions on mental health status were moderated by the structural social capital (β = .652, SE = .249, p = .009). Additionally, it was found that perceived community cohesion was predictive of mental health (β = .295, SE = .103, p = .004). Our analysis also indicated that perceptions of disadvantaged neighbourhood environment contributed to poorer mental health status (β = −.461, SE = .144, p = .001). However, none of the social capital variables significantly predicted physical health status.ConclusionsFindings suggest that the structural dimension of social capital would function as a buffer against the malicious effects of chronic health conditions, impairments and disabilities. Specifically, community participation (structural social capital) is indispensable to develop an effective community-based program to improve health and well-being of those with chronic health conditions or disabilities, as increasing active participation may generate beneficial effects in this vulnerable population. Subjective perceptions about communities can also play an important role in improving better health outcomes. Further research is needed to examine underlying mechanisms linking the multiple dimensions of social capital to health outcomes among individuals who are vulnerable to external stressors.

Sense of community and willingness to support malaria intervention programme in urban poor Accra, Ghana

BackgroundThe extensive research on community members’ willingness to support malaria interventions ignores the role of psychosocial determinants. This study assesses the impact of individuals’ sense of community (perceptions of community cohesion, altruism, seeking help from neighbours and migrant status) on their willingness to participate in a mosquito control programme using data on 768 individuals from the 2013 RIPS Urban Health and Poverty Survey in poor coastal communities in Accra, Ghana. A contingent valuation experiment was employed to elicit individuals’ willingness to support the programme by contributing nothing, labour time/money only or both.ResultsFindings show that different dimensions of sense of community related differently with willingness to support the programme. Perceived community cohesion was associated with lower odds while help-seeking from neighbours and being a migrant were associated with higher odds of supporting the programme. Altruism was the only dimension not linked to willingness to participate.ConclusionsDifferent dimensions of sense of community are associated with community members’ willingness to provide labour, time or both to support the malaria eradication programme. The findings of this study have implications for targeting social relational aspects, in addition to geographical aspects, of communities with malaria-resilient policy and intervention. They also warrant further research on psychosocial factors that predict willingness to support health programmes in urban poor settings.

Cumulative risk and resilience: The roles of comorbid maternal mental health conditions and community cohesion in influencing food security in low-income households

ABSTRACTMaternal caregivers play a critical role in achieving household food security. This study examines the impact of cumulative risk across multiple systems with respect to household food security. Data were drawn from a nationally representative survey of 2,276 mothers. Using step-wise lagged dependent variable logistic regression models we examine the influence of mental health, household, and neighborhood characteristics on household food security. Households headed by caregivers with a single mental health condition were less likely to be food secure as compared to those without mental health concerns. Comorbid mental health diagnoses compounded the risk, and worsened the odds of achieving food security. Perceived community cohesion emerged as a resilience factor that buffered both individual and community risks to food security. The findings emphasize the link between positive maternal mental health and food security, and suggest that communities may have an important protective role in food security.

How is perceived community cohesion and membership in community groups associated with children's dietary adequacy in disadvantaged communities? A case of the Indian Sundarbans.

BackgroundMembership in community groups and a sense of community cohesion may facilitate collective action in mobilizing resources towards better health outcomes. This paper explores the relationship of these factors, along with individual level socio-economic variables, to dietary adequacy among children below 6 years of age, a proximate determinant of child malnutrition.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey in Patharpratima block of the Sundarbans in West Bengal, India, using a two-stage, 30 cluster random sampling design. In 1200 sampled households, we used a structured questionnaire to interview mothers of children below 6 years of age on their child’s nutritional intake. We also interviewed household heads to assess perceived community cohesion using a nine item scale, membership in any community self-help organization, and other socio-economic determinants. We used a logistic regression model to assess their association with a minimum acceptable diet among children between 6 months to 6 years.ResultsOnly 9.33 % children between 6 and 71 months of age received a minimum acceptable diet. With each increase in the perceived community cohesion score (scale 0-9), a child is 1.31 times more likely to have minimum acceptable diet (95 % CI 1.14, 1.50). The odds of minimum acceptable diet were also higher among children whose mothers had primary education (2.09, 95 % CI 1.03, 2.94) as compared to illiterate mothers and in households with surplus food resources (2.72, 95 % CI 1.32, 5.58) as compared to those without surplus or deficit. In contrast, registering at an Anganwadi (government early child development) centre (odds ratio 1.34 95 % CI 0.69, 2.60) and community membership (odds ratio 0.93, 95 % CI 0.59, 1.46) were not associated with minimum acceptable diet.ConclusionThe results are consistent with what is known about the importance of maternal education and access to food resources in ensuring that children have a minimum acceptable diet. Perceived community cohesion seems to play a positive role in children’s diets. Further research needs to clarify which community characteristics and services are the most relevant, how they can better support children’s diets, and how interventions can strengthen these community characteristics and services.

Social support, coping strategies and their correlations with older adults' relocation adjustments after natural disaster.

The present study examines the associations among social support, coping strategies and relocation adjustment outcomes, including community cohesion, residential satisfaction and depressive symptoms, for older persons in Taiwan displaced by Typhoon Morakot. This study enrolled 372 adults aged 60 years or older who were relocated to permanent houses after Typhoon Morakot destroyed their homes on 8 August 2009. A path analysis simultaneously examined the hypothesized links among social support, coping strategies and relocation adjustment outcomes. The relationships between coping strategies and relocation outcomes varied. Problem-focused and support-seeking coping were positively related to perceived community cohesion, whereas emotion-focused coping was associated with a high number of depressive symptoms. Social support was positively related to residential satisfaction. Additionally, social support was also indirectly related to increased community cohesion and residential satisfaction through its positive relationship with support-seeking and problem-focused coping. More interventions should be implemented to enhance support within informal networks and a sense of belonging to the new resident community, thereby promoting more active coping strategies, enhancing the effectiveness of coping efforts and maximizing positive adjustment outcomes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1006-1014.

Exploring the Gay Community Question: Neighborhood and Network Influences on the Experience of Community among Urban Gay Men

The reported declining significance of gay neighborhoods has raised questions about the role of gay enclaves as a locus for community building. Using Wellman and Leighton's community “lost,” “saved,” and “liberated” frameworks, we examine the degree to which gay enclave residence and network socializing are associated with experiences of gay community among men in the New York City area. Multilevel models indicate that enclave residence is neither directly nor indirectly associated with perceived community cohesion or community attachment. Increased socializing with gay men and heterosexuals were, respectively, positively and negatively associated with our community outcomes. Increased socializing with lesbians was associated with greater community attachment, while socializing with bisexuals was associated with greater perceived community cohesion. Our findings lend support for a “gay community liberated” perspective; experiences of gay community are shaped principally by network relations rather than residential proximity to gay institutions.

Perceived Community Cohesion and the Stress Process in Youth

AbstractUsing survey data from two youth samples, one rural and one urban, we examine the role and significance of perceived community cohesion in the stress process. In particular, we assess the extent to which community attachment and detachment are related to depressed mood, problem substance use, and delinquency net of social statuses, stress exposure, and personal attributes. In addition, we explore the degree to which those dimensions of community cohesion explain or condition the links between the above stress‐process components (e.g., social statuses, stress exposure, and personal attributes) and well‐being. We find remarkably similar results across samples: community attachment is related to lower odds of problem substance use and delinquency; community detachment is related to higher levels of depressed mood, problem substance use, and delinquency; and community attachment buffers the link between stress and problem substance use. With respect to depressed mood, however, the rural youth show greater vulnerability to stress than the urban youth and unique benefits from community attachment compared to the latter. Our findings highlight the roles of community attachment and detachment in the stress process and underscore the importance of each for youth well‐being in rural and urban settings.

Urban African American Adolescents and Adultification

Historically, African American adolescents have experienced higher rates of victimization and disenfranchisement compared to other subgroups in contemporary American society. Several theories exist that attempt to explicate factors that differentiated youth with positive adaptations from those with negative adaptations. Using a sample of African American youth living in urban public housing (N = 238), we contribute to this body of research by assessing whether or not adultification and community cohesion buffer the effects of exposure to deviant peers and neighborhood hazard on depressive symptoms. Results suggest that adultification and perceived community cohesion moderate the effects of delinquent peers and neighborhood risk on depressive symptoms in this vulnerable population of urban youth. Implications for policy, social work practice, and future inquiry are discussed.

The Effects of Perceived Community Cohesion on Stress Symptoms Following a Terrorist Attack

ABSTRACT The effects of community cohesion were explored following a terrorist attack in Israel, during which an explosion on a public bus in a metropolitan city killed and wounded multiple individuals. Participants were 115 Israelis who resided in three specified perimeters around the area of impact. Data collected immediately following the attack and 1 month later included demographics, proximity and exposure to the terrorist event, community cohesion, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. For individuals reporting low and moderate degrees of exposure to the terror event, PTSD symptoms increased as community cohesion increased. However, for those with high exposure, PTSD symptoms and community cohesion were inversely related. Furthermore, for those who lived closest to the terror event, as community cohesion increased, PTSD symptoms decreased. However, for individuals who lived farther away from the terror event, community cohesion was positively associated with PTSD symptoms. One month fol...

Indicators constituting the construct of 'perceived community cohesion'

This paper examines a number of indicators constituting the construct of 'perceived community cohesion'. These include; a sense of belonging, per- ceived social support, solidarity, rootedness, social ties, and alienation. A sample of residents in three different communities according to their socioeconomic structure was administered questionnaires. Results indicate that a sense of belonging, solidarity, rootedness, and social ties were higher amongst residents of rural communities (kibbutz and village) than amongst residents in an urban centre.

Perceived community cohesion and perceived risk of victimization: A cross-national analysis*

Prior research illustrates that community characteristics may be associated with the perceived risk of victimization. In our analysis, we suggest that cognitive evaluations of the risk of victimization within one's neighborhood may be shaped by cognitive assessments of the willingness of community members to help each other. We test this link using data for 11 countries from the 1992 wave of the International Crime Survey. The data provide substantial support for the hypothesis that individuals who perceive their communities to be cohesive express lower levels of perceived risk of criminal victimization in their neighborhoods.