Neighborhood Effects on Hispanic Young Adult Outcomes

Abstract

The present study explored the implications of neighborhood effects and parent-child relationships upon young adulthood attainment among Hispanic adolescents. Examining the social contexts in which Hispanic adolescents develop, such as neighborhoods, allows researchers a greater depth of understanding the processes and potential risks that influence young adulthood attainment. Utilizing The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), the current study examined neighborhood effects, specifically neighborhood disorganization and perceptions of neighborhood safety, in relation to education and career attainment outcomes in young-adulthood among a representative sample of 1,814 Hispanics. Results of the current study illuminate the mechanisms of neighborhood quality and academic belonging as influencing young adulthood outcome attainment. These findings inform current research and future policy to more effectively support development of Hispanic adolescents.