Sociology, Department of
First Advisor
Lisa Kort-Butler
Second Advisor
Kim Tyler
Third Advisor
Gertrude Gauthier
Date of this Version
Spring 4-28-2022
Document Type
Article
Citation
Meyer, K. 2022. Effects of victimization and community characteristics on health outcomes. University of Nebraska Lincoln.
Abstract
Drawing on the neighborhood disorder model, the environmental stress model, and general strain theory, this study examined the effects of victimization experiences, anticipated victimization, and perceived community characteristics on overall physical health and mental health outcomes. This study used cross-sectional survey data from the 2014-2015 Nebraska Annual Social Indicator Survey (NASIS). Linear regression was used to examine how victimization experiences, worry about victimization, community context, and perceptions of crime and policing were associated with the health outcomes, controlling for demographic characteristics. The findings show that more worry about crime, less positive community perceptions, and less perceived police protection were associated with poorer physical health. In addition to these same factors, poorer mental health was associated with perceived increases in crime and feeling anger about crime in a community. These findings are consistent with prior research showing that victimization and community characteristics affect different health outcomes. Future research should examine perceptions of community cohesion variables with robust measures. Addressing variables about perceptions where communities lack cohesion and social order can help reduce stress and strain for individuals.
Advisor: Lisa Kort-Butler
Comments
A THESIS Presented to the Faculty of The Graduate College at the University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements For the Degree of Master of Arts, Major: Sociology, Under the Supervision of Professor Lisa Kort-Butler. Lincoln, NE: April 2022
Copyright © 2022 Katie L. Meyer