The Effect of Received Neighboring Behavior on General Health: The Mediating Role of Work-Family Conflict

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships between received neighboring behavior (ie, informal mutual assistance and information sharing among neighbors) and the general health of low-income residents in a mixed-income community. A conservation resource theory perspective was applied. Survey data were selected from a self-reported questionnaire of 247 low-income residents in a mixed-income community of China. A 2-wave panel design was used to test the hypothesized relationships among the studied variables, and the interval between both measurements was 5 weeks. Then, structural equation modeling was adopted to examine the proposed hypotheses. The findings showed that received neighboring behavior decreased individual work-family conflict, while showing no significant differences between the mediating effects of work-family conflict. This study has important implications for neighbor behavior and work-family conflict.

Does Giving and Receiving Helping Behavior Fit Matter? The Role of Neighboring Behavior Fit in Working Residents' Mental Health

“…A potential explanation for these inconsistent results may be the neglect of working residents' receiving neighboring behavior. Giving neighboring behavior is interpersonal and reciprocal (61) benefits of receiving neighboring behavior in relieving workfamily conflicts and facilitating mental health (22). Therefore, this paper explored how receiving and giving neighboring behavior fit impacts mental health.…”

“…Prior studies have highlighted the benefits of receiving neighboring behavior on mental health. For instance, Zu et al suggested that assistance from neighbors will relieve workfamily conflicts, thereby enhancing mental health (22). Giving neighboring behavior is a process in which residents spend time helping others to resolve problems in the community (4).…”

“…For example, Griggs et al (1) highlighted the importance of community support for attenuating work-family conflict for low-income workers. Supporting this, Zu et al (22) suggested that support from neighbors may help low-income residents to cope with work-family conflict, thereby enhancing their mental health and career satisfaction.…”