Neighborhood, poverty, and negative behavior: An examination of differential association and social control theory

This study applies differential association and social control theories to childhood negative behaviors. Using a path analysis model, relationships between poverty, neighborhood SES, and parenting are explored. Analyses suggest that decreases in rates of poverty and increases in neighborhood SES lead to decreased negative behaviors, and aggravation with parenting is the greatest predictor of negative behavior. ► Poverty, neighborhood SES, and family characteristics were examined on neg. beh. ► Aggravation in parenting was the strongest predictor of negative behavior. ► Parental stress had a direct effect on negative behavior in children. ► Punitive punishment was a strong predictor of negative behavior.