What Predicts the Actions Taken Toward Observed Child Neglect? The Influence of Community Context and Bystander Characteristics

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.