Citation

Ma J, Grogan-Kaylor A, Lee SJ. Child Abuse Negl. 2017; 76: 106-116.

Affiliation

University of Michigan, School of Social Work, United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.10.013

PMID

29100038

Abstract

This study employed fixed effects regression that controls for selection bias, omitted variables bias, and all time-invariant aspects of parent and child characteristics to examine the simultaneous associations between neighborhood disorganization, maternal spanking, and aggressive behavior in early childhood using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS). Analysis was based on 2,472 children and their mothers who participated in Wave 3 (2001-2003; child age 3) and Wave 4 (2003-2006; child age 5) of the FFCWS.

RESULTS indicated that higher rates of neighborhood crime and violence predicted higher levels of child aggression. Maternal spanking in the past year, whether frequent or infrequent, was also associated with increases in aggressive behavior. This study contributes statistically rigorous evidence that exposure to violence in the neighborhood as well as the family context are predictors of child aggression. We conclude with a discussion for the need for multilevel prevention and intervention approaches that target both community and parenting factors.

Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Aggressive behavior; Fixed effects regression; Neighborhood disorganization; Spanking