Understanding sense of neighbourhood community in Korean adolescents: Its relation to adolescent well-being and the role of parents

Abstract

This study examined whether Korean adolescents' sense of neighbourhood community would be related to their peer relations and self-esteem and the role of parent-related variables (e.g., mother's sense of neighbourhood community and perceived relationship closeness with parents) among a sample of 229 Korean adolescents and their mothers. Hierarchical regression analyses showed a positive association of Korean adolescents' sense of neighbourhood community with peer relations and self-esteem. In addition, having a close relationship with parents emerged as the ultimate predictor of their sense of neighbourhood community above and beyond the variance accounted for by socio-demographic characteristics and school adaptation. Results suggest that parents play a significant role in Korean adolescents' sense of neighbourhood community. Fostering close relationships with parents and improving mothers' sense of neighbourhood community may be particularly effective for strengthening Korean adolescents' sense of neighbourhood community. © 2013 Taylor & Francis.