Date of Graduation

5-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Human Environmental Science (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

General Human Environmental Sciences

Advisor/Mentor

Jacquelyn D. Wiersma-Mosley

Committee Member

Lindsay S. Ham

Second Committee Member

Zola K. Moon

Keywords

Social sciences, Acculturation, Adolescence, Hispanic, Latino, Neighborhood effects, Young adulthood

Abstract

The present thesis explores the implications of neighborhood effects, parent-child relationship, and school attachment upon young adulthood attainment among Hispanic adolescents. By 2060, the U.S. population will consist of nearly 12.8 million Hispanic persons and will constitute nearly a third of the U.S population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). Examining the Social contexts in which Hispanic adolescents develop, such as neighborhoods and schools, allows researchers a greater depth of understanding the processes and potential risks that influence young adulthood attainment, such as education and career attainment (Sampson, Morenoff, & Gannon-Rowley, 2002). Utilizing The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), the current thesis examined neighborhood effects, such as neighborhood disorganization, violence exposure, and school attachment in relation to specific outcomes in young-adulthood, such as education, career attainment and intimate partner violence (IPV). Results of the current thesis illuminate the mechanisms of neighborhood quality and academic belonging as influencing young adulthood attainment among a representative sample of Hispanic adolescents. These findings inform current research and future policy to more effectively support development of Hispanic adolescents.

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