Neighborhood Contributions to Positive Parenting and Youth Externalizing Problems: A Multi-Sample Study of African American Single Mother Families

African American youth, particularly those from single mother homes, are at increased risk for engaging in externalizing behaviors compared to youth from other racial and ethnic backgrounds and those from two parent homes, with lasting implications for psychosocial adjustment into adulthood. Yet, relatively small sample sizes and inadequate power have precluded advances regarding the contextual factors associated with parenting and youth externalizing behavior within this population. The current study aimed to strengthen and extend this literature by leveraging data from three existing studies to conduct a more comprehensive examination of the key associations between neighborhood context (through the three neighborhood domains of Danger, Disadvantage, and Disengagement) and positive parenting behaviors (warmth and monitoring) and, in turn, the development of youth externalizing behavior. Findings partially supported study hypotheses; however, the specific nature of the associations depended on the particular neighborhood and parenting domains and, perhaps, gender of the child. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.Doctor of Philosoph