Perceptions of Safety, Satisfaction with Neighborhood and Life Satisfaction Among Chilean Adolescents

Abstract

The perception of safety and neighborhood satisfaction are related to children and adolescents’ life satisfaction. Most previous studies have examined these variables separately. However, studies are yet to determine the direct or indirect simultaneous interactions among these variables, limiting our understanding of the mechanism (s) that underline adolescents’ life satisfaction. We tested a mediation model using a structural equational modeling in a sample of 808 Chileans adolescents (42.2% female; mean age: 12.5). Our results demonstrate a direct effect of perceptions of safety at home and in the community upon life satisfaction. Similarly, we found an indirect effect through neighborhood satisfaction on adolescents’ life satisfaction. Our results highlight a relationship between safety and life satisfaction, incorporating neighborhood satisfaction among adolescents. Therefore, we suggest safety prevention programs should include community components, such as neighborhood satisfaction, given its relationship with life satisfaction during adolescence.