Neighborhood Violence and Peer Antisocial Behavior as Predictors of Family Relationships: An Examination of Mediation Effects

Abstract

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine the links between neighborhood violence and peer antisocial behavior measured at ages 8 and 10 and family relationships measured at age 15 (i.e., parenting, parent-child relationships, sibling relationships). In addition, the mediating effects of adolescent antisocial behavior measured at ages 11 and 12 on these direct links. The sample consisted of 239 families with sons from the Pitt Mother & Child Project. Results indicated that high levels of neighborhood violence and peer antisocial behavior were associated with high levels of negative parent-child relationship quality and low levels of parental knowledge. Peer antisocial behavior was positively related to sibling conflict. Following the criteria established by Baron and Kenny (1986), next the mediating effect of adolescent antisocial behavior was tested. Some evidence for mediation was found. In general, this longitudinal study provides important information on how adolescents' experiences outside of the home may influence what goes on inside of the home.