Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-14-2009
Abstract
Objective. The purpose of this article is to explore the additive and moderating effects of neighborhood context on substance use among youth.
Methods. Using a regional sample of adolescents and matching the data to Census tracts, we use hierarchical linear modeling to examine the relationship between neighborhood disadvantage and neighborhood instability on alcohol and marijuana use while controlling for individual, family, and peer characteristics.
Results. For both alcohol and marijuana use measures, we find neighborhood disadvantage has a consistent negative direct effect; adolescents living in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods have lower rates of use. In addition, neighborhood disadvantage moderates the effect of a key individual risk factor. Specifically, we find living in areas with higher neighborhood disadvantage reduces the effect of deviant peers on adolescent substance use.
Conclusions. Findings, while showing effects of neighborhood disadvantage, are inconsistent with the typical neighborhood disorganization framework. We discuss the implications of our findings for ongoing research on neighborhood contextual effects and adolescent behaviors.
Recommended Citation
Snedker, K.A., Herting, J.R. and Walton, E. (2009), Contextual Effects and Adolescent Substance Use: Exploring the Role of Neighborhoods. Social Science Quarterly, 90: 1272-1297. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6237.2009.00677.x
Peer Reviewed
1
Copyright
Wiley
Included in
Place and Environment Commons, Regional Sociology Commons, Social Control, Law, Crime, and Deviance Commons, Substance Abuse and Addiction Commons
Comments
This is the accepted version of the following article:
Snedker, K.A., Herting, J.R. and Walton, E. (2009), Contextual Effects and Adolescent Substance Use: Exploring the Role of Neighborhoods. Social Science Quarterly, 90: 1272-1297. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6237.2009.00677.x
which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6237.2009.00677.x. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.