RESILIENT OR VULNERABLE? THE GEOGRAPHY OF CRIME AND ITS IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH IN URBAN COMMUNITIES

Abstract

This dissertation examines the relationship between neighborhood characteristics, crime, and mental health, with an emphasis on the role of social disadvantage. Using 5-year panel data from Dallas- Fort Worth metroplex, Texas, and a Spatial Econometric research approach, the findings of this study provide suggestions for building safe and healthy communities. Building upon the interdisciplinary literature on urban planning, environmental criminology, and public health, this study first identifies the impact of environmental factors on property crime, then detects the moderating effects of neighborhood environment upon crime’s impact on mental health status. This study finds that commercial and mixed land-use development, number of transit facilities, and alcohol-related establishments are positively associated with property crime rate while controlling for other factors and spatial spillover effects. Neighborhoods with a higher percentage of Black and African American people and a lower level of educational attainment tend to register a higher property crime rate. While crime, particularly violent crime, poses a significant threat to the mental health status, built environmental characteristics such as parks and recreational space, commercial and retail space, and employment density could help mitigate the negative impact on mental health. Additionally, Black or African American communities, Hispanic/Latinx communities, and people from renter households are more vulnerable to crime’s impact on mental health while controlling all other factors. This dissertation contributes to the understanding of how urban planners could address the challenge of crime and build healthy, resilient, and equitable neighborhoods.