The Role of Ethnic Identity : Perceptions of Neighborhoods and Aggression In Latinx College Students

• In Event: Poster Session 05
  In Poster Session: PS 05 Topic - Race, Ethnicity, Culture, Context

Abstract

Within the literature on perceptions of neighborhood safety and violence exposure, research has shown that lower perceptions of safety and higher levels of violence exposure is related to worsened psychological symptoms (Aisenberg & Herrenkohl, 2008). Research has examined different factors that can buffer the impact of community-related factors such as ethnic/racial identity (Hurd et al., 2013). Ethnic/racial identity (ERI) among ethnic minority adolescents can be shaped by contextual factors such as family, neighborhoods, and peer groups (Supple, et al, 2006). While prior research has focused on ERI and neighborhood safety, the current study further explores how racial identity moderates the relations between perceived neighborhood characteristics and aggressive behaviors (i.e., verbal, physical, and hostile). Additionally, we investigate how gender differences is related to perceptions of neighborhood safety, racial identity and aggressive behaviors.

The study examined these relationships in Latinx college students in California. The sample was comprised of 418 college students (71.3% female, Mage=19.08, SD= 1.33) who self-identified as Latinx. The survey measured participants’ sense of ethnic identity exploring the dimensions of centrality, private regard and public regard (Sellers, et al., 1998). The study also assessed reports of perceived neighborhood safety within the past year (e.g., “How likely young people were to do the following activities while you were in high school: Get in trouble with the police” and “In this neighborhood people mostly go their own way). Outcome variables examined levels of aggression on anger, physical aggression, verbal aggression and hostility (Buss & Perry, 1992).

Preliminary analyses indicated that there was a significant correlation between perceived neighborhood characteristics and a sense of in public regards (r=-.21, p<.01). Additionally, there was a significant correlation between perceived neighborhood characteristics and aggressive behaviors (physical, verbal, and hostility) (r=.153, p<.01). Independent samples t-test indicate that there is only significant gender differences with regards to racial centrality. In particular, there was a significant effect for identity centrality [t(411)=3.58, p<.05] between females (M=4.05, SD=.70) and males (M=3.77, SD=.79). Hierarchical regressions were conducted examining the role of neighborhood factors and racial identity (e.g., centrality, public regard, private regard) on aggressive behaviors (Table 1). Furthermore, significant interactions were found between neighborhood factors and public regard on physical aggression (Table 1). In particular, public regard moderated the relationship between perceived neighborhood safety and physical aggression. Moreover, public regard also moderated the relationship between negative neighborhood characteristics and physical aggression.

These results suggest it is imperative to take into consideration the protective role of ethnic racial identity on neighborhood factors for Latinx youth. Implications for interventions for youth and neighborhood agencies will be discussed.

Authors

• LeNisha Williams, University of California - Riverside
  Presenting Author

• Crystal Leanette Venegas, University of California - Los Angeles
  Non-Presenting Author

• Meeta Banerjee, University of South Carolina
  Non-Presenting Author