Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Sociology (MA)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Sociology and Criminology

Advisor/Mentor

Niño, Michael D.

Committee Member

Bradlet, Mindy S.

Second Committee Member

Gruenewald, Jeffrey A.

Keywords

Depressive Symtpoms; Fear of Crime; Perceived Health

Abstract

Fear of crime is a significant social issue that affects quality of life, often leading to behavioral changes and increased anxiety. While prior research has explored the link between fear of crime and health, notable gaps remain – particularly regarding how distinct dimensions of health influence fear of crime. This study addresses these gaps by examining the effects of perceived health and depressive symptoms on fear of crime. Data were drawn from the Arkansas Crime, Public Safety, and Health Survey (ACPSHS), an online, opt-in survey of approximately 2,300 non- institutionalized adults in Arkansas. Ordinary least squares regression models were used to assess the direct effects of self-reported health and depressive symptoms on fear of crime, controlling for key sociodemographic variables. Results show that poorer perceived health and higher levels of depressive symptoms are both significantly associated with greater fear of crime. Racial disparities were also evident, with Black Arkansans reporting significantly higher fear levels than White respondents. Gender and age differences emerged as well: women expressed greater fear than men, and fear of crime declined with age. Notably, educational attainment had no statistically significant effect, while individuals with a history of arrest were less likely to report fear. These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between health and perceptions of public safety and carry important implications for both public health strategies and crime prevention policies.

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