Space as Place: Using Multiple Methods to Uncover Place-Based Effects on Latino Families

• In Event: 3-135 - Understanding Spatial Processes: Spatial Behavior in Real Time and in Real-World Settings

Integrative Statement

Developmental models suggest that physical contexts of space and place may impact families’ outcomes. A growing number of Latinos are settling in new destinations where they are clearly the ethnic minority (Massey, 2008). These destinations present unique challenges for Latino families because adolescent vulnerability may increase due to a lack of protective, cultural factors generally relied upon to curb problem behavior (Burchfield & Silver, 2013). Families in new destinations may navigate beyond their residential neighborhood (RN) to connect with same-ethnic peers and to meet physical, social, and economic needs, thereby expanding their exposure to place. Research shows that individuals spend a considerable amount of time outside their RNs (Browning & Soller, 2014). These larger “activity spaces” (AS) expose youth and families to a host of factors that can shape parenting and youth problem behaviors (Freisthler et al., 2015). Caregivers’ and youth’s exposure to place may be shared or unshared, and the amount of time spent together may vary by context. Generally, time shared by caregiver-adolescent dyads benefits youth (Dubas & Gerris, 2002) and may be particularly important for Latino immigrant families (Updegraff et al., 2006). Given these realities, it is necessary to specify place in a more nuanced manner, using innovative methods and technologies to capture the dynamic, transactional nature of individuals and place.

Highlighting findings from two studies of Latino families residing in a low-income, Northeastern new destination city (52.4% African American, 18% Latino), the presenter will describe and characterize the RN and AS of the Latino families; examine associations among AS, parenting, discrimination experiences, and youth delinquency; and explore whether shared place impacts the relation between parenting and youth’s outcomes. Study 1 (N = 5 dyads; feasibility study) and Study 2 (N = 60 dyads) explored associations among place, parenting, and Latino youth’s risky behavior. Caregivers were mostly mothers (76%; Mage = 42, SD = 9.38; 14% US-born) who identified as Puerto Rican (39%), Mexican (15%), Dominican (10%), and “Other-Latino” (36%). Average family income was $20414. Adolescents (53% female; 57% US-born) were 13.79 years old (SD = 2.07) and self-identified as Puerto Rican (44%), Mexican (14%), Dominican (10%), White (1%), and Biracial/“Other” (31%). Dyads completed semi-structured interviews and carried a GPS device to log their locations in real time.

Preliminary analysis of GPS data showed that Latino parents and adolescents spent a considerable amount of time in their RNs (76 – 78%). Yet, dyads reported many more activity locations outside their RN. Adolescents’ AS were larger than their caregivers’ [Meanadolescent = 21.54 sq mi (41.91); Meanparent = 13.48 sq mi (23.67)]. However, a greater proportion of adolescents’ AS (M = 72.18, SD = 28.09) was shared with caregivers. AS size and parenting measures were unrelated, but youth who spent more time in their RN reported less delinquency (r = - 0.57, p<.10). Additional analyses will explore associations between place (RN and AS) and racial-ethnic discrimination and explore daily, dyadic overlap in place. Implications for place-based research among Latino, immigrant families will be discussed.

Authors

• Dawn Paula Witherspoon, The Pennsylvania State University
  Presenting Author

• Mayra Y Bamaca-Colbert, The Pennsylvania State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Saskia Boggs, Penn State
  Non-Presenting Author

• Peter S. Y. Kim, Penn State
  Non-Presenting Author