Examining Social Isolation as a Mediator for the Environmental Influence on Cognitive Functioning

Environments serve as one of the most pervasive stimuli to the brain, shaping cognitive functionality through neuroplasticity. Both the physical and social environments of living could affect the cognitive functioning of older adults. Nonetheless, the mechanisms on how the environments “get under the skin” are unknown. This study examines the potential mediating effect of social isolation on the relationships between environment and cognitive health. Wave 9 data from the National Healthy Aging Trend Study was employed. The working sample includes 2,313 older adults. Path analysis results showed that in-home disorder was positively related to social isolation. A more cohesive social environment was negatively related to social isolation. Higher social isolation scores were associated with worsen global cognitive functioning. In-home disorder, community disorder, and social environment had significant direct effects on cognitive health after adjusting for the mediating effect. Social Isolation partially mediates the environmental influence on cognitive functioning.

Immigrant perceptions of the police : rose-tinted bifocals in the receiving state

This is one of the first Canadian empirical studies to explore immigrant effects on perceptions of police at a national level. Using the 2009 General Social Survey on Victimization, this paper explores the effects of immigrant status on evaluations of the police. Findings support and contradict current theory, showing that recent immigrants arriving from non-democratic states are associated with stronger positive views of the police. Findings also suggest that visible minority status and community disorder are associated with a higher tendency toward negative perceptions of the police. Recommendations included increased diversity of representation in the police ranks and a continued commitment to decreasing visible signs of crime at the community level.

Immigrant perceptions of the police : rose-tinted bifocals in the receiving state

This is one of the first Canadian empirical studies to explore immigrant effects on perceptions of police at a national level. Using the 2009 General Social Survey on Victimization, this paper explores the effects of immigrant status on evaluations of the police. Findings support and contradict current theory, showing that recent immigrants arriving from non-democratic states are associated with stronger positive views of the police. Findings also suggest that visible minority status and community disorder are associated with a higher tendency toward negative perceptions of the police. Recommendations included increased diversity of representation in the police ranks and a continued commitment to decreasing visible signs of crime at the community level.