Neighborhood Disorder and Child Psychological Well-being: A Moderated-Mediation Model of Maternal Psychosocial Factors and Child Gender Differences

Tosin Akintunde; Temitayo Olurin; Abiade Abiola; Stanley Isangha

doi:10.1921/swssr20262527

Authors

Tosin Akintunde Hohai University, China https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9392-8726
Temitayo Olurin Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6323-9164
Abiade Abiola Leadcity University, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7946-3029
Stanley Isangha City University of Hong Kong https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1177-0724

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr20262527

Keywords:

urban neighborhoods, Child psychological well-being, Hostile Parenting, Maternal Emotional Distress, Nigeria, Transport Park-induced Neighborhood Disorder

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanisms through which neighborhood disorder exert adverse influence on child psychological well-being through chain effects of maternal emotional distress and hostile parenting. Cross-sectional data from mother–child dyads within urban communities surrounding transport-parks in one of Nigeria’s largest cities was analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results revealed a significant indirect effect of neighborhood disorder on child emotional distress via maternal emotional distress (β = 0.045, p < 0.05). A serial mediation model further revealed that neighborhood disorder elevated maternal emotional distress, which in turn intensified hostile parenting and exacerbates poor child psychological well-being (β = 0.024, p < 0.05). Maternal age moderated the direct paths, buffering the impact of neighborhood disorder and hostile parenting on child outcomes. Gender-specific patterns also emerged in this study. These findings highlight the imperative for interventions targeting maternal mental health and parenting practices to alleviate adverse psychological well-being of children in neighborhood surrounding transportation parks in Nigeria.

Author Biographies

Tosin Akintunde, Hohai University, China

Dr. Tosin Akintunde is a scholar in social and health psychology whose research examines adverse childhood experiences, psychological trauma, and violence, with a focus on their effects on psychosocial development. He is a Lecturer in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, Research Associate at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary and Senior Research and Data Analyst with the Government of Alberta, Canada.

Temitayo Olurin, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria

Dr. Temitayo Kofoworola Olurin is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences formerly Home Science and Management at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria and a Guest Researcher at the Leibniz Institute of Resilience Research, Mainz, Germany. Dr. Olurin specializes in Human Development and Family Studies, with research interests in positive development, violence, resilience, mental health, social emotional development, adverse childhood experiences, and climate change among vulnerable populations.

Abiade Abiola, Leadcity University, Nigeria

Dr. Temitayo Kofoworola Olurin is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences formerly Home Science and Management at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria and a Guest Researcher at the Leibniz Institute of Resilience Research, Mainz, Germany. Dr. Olurin specializes in Human Development and Family Studies, with research interests in positive development, violence, resilience, mental health, social emotional development, adverse childhood experiences, and climate change among vulnerable populations.

Stanley Isangha, City University of Hong Kong

Dr. Stanley Isangha’s academic work centres on health psychology and social work, exploring connections between mental and physical well-being and social dynamics. He is an Assistant Lecturer in Social Work and Social Administration at The University of Hong Kong, teaching counselling courses and coordinating capstone projects. His research addresses men’s health, intimate partner violence, child protection, childhood trauma, and migrant challenges, aiming to strengthen community support systems and promote resilience and well-being.

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