Examining the Effects of Health in Explaining Fear of Crime: A Multi-Dimensional and Multi-Level Analysis

We examine the understudied link between mental/physical health problems and their relationship with perceived unsafety via higher levels of vulnerability. We examine this relationship by linking data at the individual-level, the neighborhood-level, and the county-level using the Portraits of Americ...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Cossman, Jeralynn S. (Author)
Contributors: Porter, Jeremy R. ; Rader, Nicole E.
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2016
In: American journal of criminal justice
Year: 2016, Volume: 41, Issue: 3, Pages: 565-582
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
Public Health
Physical Health
Mental Health
Fear
Vulnerability
Description
Summary:We examine the understudied link between mental/physical health problems and their relationship with perceived unsafety via higher levels of vulnerability. We examine this relationship by linking data at the individual-level, the neighborhood-level, and the county-level using the Portraits of American Life Survey (PALS). Using this data we examine the effect of individual and neighborhood conditions on perceived safety while controlling for county-level crime rates. Findings indicate that higher numbers of physical impairment and mental health issues are independently related to higher levels of perceived unsafety. Both mental and physical health problems are associated with higher levels of fear. These higher levels of vulnerability then directly contribute to higher levels of feeling of unsafety. Unlike past research, we find a mental health link to fear of crime that cannot be explained by physical impairments.
ISSN:1936-1351
DOI:10.1007/s12103-015-9310-x