Do places matter? Socioeconomic disadvantage and behavioral problems of children in Canada.
This study evaluated the influence of neighborhoods and socioeconomic disadvantage on behavioral problems rated by parents and teachers in a nationally representative sample of children ages 4 to 11 years living in Canada. Between-neighborhood variation accounted for 7.6% and 6.6% of parent and teacher ratings, respectively. About 25.0% of this neighborhood variation could be explained by socioeconomic variables evenly divided between neighborhood and family-level measures. Family socioeconomic status, lone-parent family status, and percentage of lone parents in neighborhoods were strong, reliable predictors of behavioral problems. Ratings were contextualized: Fewer behavioral problems were assessed in children from well-off families living in disadvantaged neighborhoods, whereas more problems were assessed in children from poor families living in advantaged neighborhoods.
Boyle
Michael H
MH
Canadian Centre for Studies for Children at Risk, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario. boylem@mcmaster.ca
Lipman
Ellen L
EL
D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011610:Psychosocial Deprivation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors