earticle

영어

This study aimed to examine the mediating effects of perceived neighborhood environment on the relationship between objective neighborhood environments and depression and life satisfaction of middle school students. The study used structural equation models to describe how objective neighborhood, perceived neighborhood predict adolescent mental health, using the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS) 2010 wave 6, conducted by National Youth Institute. The main findings are summarized as follows: first, safe neighborhood environment and green area decrease the risk of depressive symptom through positive perception of neighborhood; and second, there was no direct relationship between both objective environment measures and adolescent’s wellbeing. That is, perceived neighborhood environment mediated the objective environment on depression and life satisfaction. Despite of small effects and study limitations, the study shed light on the importance of polices to protect and promote green and safe spaces for adolescent’s psychological wellbeing.