Factor Structure of the Urban Hassles Index

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Urban Hassles Index (UHI). Method: Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) were conducted via principal axis factoring extraction method. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to evaluate the fit of the EFA-derived model using the weighted least squares estimator with mean and variance adjustments. Composite/scale scores were created for the extracted factors, with a total score derived by summing the scale scores. Criterion-related validity was examined using hierarchical regressions. Results: The UHI had four first-order factors ( environmental nuisance, safety concerns, drug, and coercion) accounting for 43% of the total variance. Covariance among the first-order factors was explained by a higher second-order factor. Moderate factor correlations and evidence for the criterion-related validity of the subscales and total score indicated multidimensionality of the UHI. Conclusions: The shortened 16-item UHI is a brief assessment tool evaluating stressors unique to urban adolescents, providing specific intervention targets.

Substance use and individual assets in urban adolescents: Subgroups and correlates in emerging adulthood

“…Ecological resources and opportunities from family, school, and the neighborhood was assessed at age 15 years using the External Assets subscale ( α = .90) of the Developmental Assets Profile, with a possible range of 0–30 (Search Institute, 2005). Social and environmental hassles were assessed using the Urban Hassles Index (Miller & Bennett, 2015; Min, Kim, et al, 2018), a 31‐items representing a range of daily hassles germane to adolescents living in urban environments that may generate a sense of insecurity and fear during the past 3 months on a 4‐point Likert scale (e.g., abandoned buildings and lots, gunshots at night, asked to sell/hide/carry drugs, pressured to join a gang). Higher scores indicate greater hassles ( α = .90).…”

Neighborhood structural characteristics, perceived neighborhood environment, and problem behaviors among at‐risk adolescents

“…UHI measures the respondent's perception of social and environmental stressors in an urban setting. A total of 16 items (e.g., walked past abandoned buildings and lots, been concerned about living in an unsafe area; Min et al, 2018) were rated on a 4-point scale (0 = Never; 1 = Sometimes; 2 = Often; 3 = Very Often).…”