THE ROLE OF SOCIAL CONTROL ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FEAR OF CRIME AND SELF-RATED HEALTH IN URBAN NEIGHBOURHOODS: A CASE STUDY OF PENANG, MALAYSIA
Fear of crime is implicated as an urban stressor that has negative consequences on health outcomes, yet few studies have explored the direction of the relationship between fear of crime and health, or tested the mediational effects on this relationship. The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of social control on the relationship between fear of crime and self-rated health. A sample of 247 residents in Penang, Malaysia was analysed using structural equation modelling. The results demonstrated the significant direct relationship of fear of crime and social control in explaining self-rated health. However, social control does not mediate this relationship, implying that the pathway connecting fear of crime and health appears to be direct, rather than via social control. Although fear of crime is associated with poor health, social control helps to enhance health and well-being. This study is concluded by highlighting the ways in which these social factors help improve health and well-being within residential contexts. Keywords: Fear of crime, social control, health, mediation effect, neighbourhood.