Self‐control and Adolescent Internalizing and Externalizing Problems: Neighborhood‐based Differences

Abstract

Self‐control may act as a protective factor against the development of internalizing and externalizing problems among adolescents. However, little research has examined how self‐control functions within and across different types of communities. Using two cohorts from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (N = 1,072; 51.40% female), we examined how self‐control and neighborhood characteristics were independently and jointly associated with these behaviors. Using latent profile analysis, we categorized neighborhoods based on several characteristics known to be associated with youth outcomes, including violence, concentrated disadvantage, and collective efficacy. Then we examined how self‐control was associated with youth internalizing and externalizing problems within and across neighborhoods. Results suggest that self‐control was a protective feature in only some types of disadvantaged and dangerous neighborhoods. We discuss findings in terms of implications for programs and policies to support youth mental health.

Chaos, danger, and maternal parenting in families: Links with adolescent adjustment in low‐ and middle‐income countries

“…The similarity in effect sizes is particularly noteworthy, when one considers that there are much higher levels of poverty, crime, and social disarray in many LMICs compared to high‐income countries; this may alter risk and resilience processes, and the statistical effects detected in studies (Barry, Clarke, Jenkins, & Patel, ). In addition, the current study joins several others in addressing the gap in research on adolescent (rather than childhood) maladjustment and family SES, chaos, and danger (Devenish et al, ; King & Mrug, ; Li et al, ; McDermott et al, ). The similar effects across age in the literature may be due in part to the longitudinally stable or ‘chronic’ presence of levels of household chaos and neighborhood danger.…”

“…this may alter risk and resilience processes, and the statistical effects detected in studies (Barry, Clarke, Jenkins, & Patel, 2013). In addition, the current study joins several others in addressing the gap in research on adolescent (rather than childhood) maladjustment and family SES, chaos, and danger (Devenish et al, 2017;King & Mrug, 2018;Li et al, 2017;McDermott et al, 2017 part in response to a chronically chaotic and dangerous home and neighborhood environment. In turn, this can contribute to growth in youth maladjustment.…”

“…In contrast to the sparse literature on household chaos in adolescence, there is a substantial literature on neighborhood risks and maladjustment for adolescents and children alike. Effect sizes are similar across these wide age ranges (for recent examples see King & Mrug, ; Li, Johnson, Musci, & Riley, ; McDermott, Donlan, Anderson, & Zaff, ).…”

Locus of Control, Self-Control, and Gender as Predictors of Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Children and Adolescents in Northern Chile

“…Locus of control is affected by context, as reflected in a study of institutionalized children, who tended to have a higher external locus of control compared to those living with their families (Król et al, 2019). There is also the possibility that internalizing problems can be influenced by socio-economic factors including area of residence (McDermott et al, 2017).…”

Community income inequality and adolescent emotional problems: A population‐based study

“…Emotional problems tend to have their first onset during adolescence (Kessler et al., ; Sawyer et al., ). A growing body of research suggests that the economic and social characteristics of neighborhood communities are important in shaping adolescent emotional well‐being (Aneshensel & Sucoff, ; Bernburg, Thorlindsson, & Sigfusdottir, ; Dupéré, Leventhal, & Vitaro, ; Leventhal & Brooks‐Gunn, ; Leventhal, Dupéré, & Brooks‐Gunn, ; McDermott, Donlan, Anderson, & Zoff, ). Yet limited attention has been given to how income inequality in the neighborhood community may shape adolescent emotional well‐being (Odgers, ).…”