Direct and moderating effects of community context on the psychological well-being of African American women.
The effects of community characteristics on well-being were examined among 709 African American women. Direct and moderating effects of neighborhood characteristics on distress were tested. Aggregate-level ratings of neighborhood cohesion and disorder were significantly related to distress, although the relation between cohesion and distress became nonsignificant when individual risk factors were statistically controlled. Aggregate-level neighborhood variables interacted significantly with individual risk and resource variables in the prediction of distress, consistent with trait-situation interaction theories (D. Magnusson & N. S. Endler, 1977). Community cohesion intensified the benefits of a positive life outlook. Community disorder intensified both the benefits of personal resources and the detrimental effects of personal risk factors. Results showed evidence of resilience among African American women.
Cutrona
C E
CE
Department of Psychology and Institute for Social and Behavioral Research, Iowa State University, Ames 50010, USA. ccutrona@iastate.edu
Russell
D W
DW
Hessling
R M
RM
Brown
P A
PA
Murry
V
V
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012931:Social Environment; D012933:Social Identification; D012944:Social Support