The moderating effect of neighborhood sense of community on predictors of substance use among Hispanic urban youth

ABSTRACT

Hispanic adolescents represent a disproportionate number of youth living in urban communities. These youth confront significant social problems that increase their likelihood for substance use. However, youth that have a greater neighborhood sense of community are postulated, through empowerment theory, to be less influenced by negative environmental experiences and less inclined to engage in drug and alcohol use. We examine the moderating effect neighborhood SOC has on predictors of substance use among Hispanic (N = 538) urban youth in low- (n = 246) and high-conflict homes (n = 292). Using logistic regression analysis and a plotting technique to examine interaction effects, we explore these relationships and provide recommendations for practice and prevention.

KEYWORDS:

• Community disorganization
• empowerment
• family conflict
• Hispanic urban adolescents
• neighborhood sense of community
• substance use
• violent behavior