Fledderjohann, Jasmine and Johnson, David R. (2012) What predicts the actions taken toward observed child neglect? : the influence of community context and bystander characteristics. Social Science Quarterly, 93 (4). pp. 1030-1052. ISSN 0038-4941
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Abstract
Objective: Using data from a sample of 3,679 respondents in 50 rural and urban communities in a midwestern state, the authors explore the relationship between individual and community characteristics and the provision of helping behavior when child neglect is observed. Method: Telephone surveys of community residents were analyzed in a series of logistic regression models. Results: At the individual level, age, gender, place of residence, and sentinel status were all found to have a significant effect. The level of role overlap, cohesion, comfort, and belongingness perceived to exist in the community were found to be important community-level predictors. Conclusion: Individual and contextual characteristics affected observation of a case of child neglect and the action taken.