Behavioral Science
The Impact of Street Lighting on Fear of Crime Among College Students in Urban Communities
Gabrielle Carter
Florida International University
Fear of crime can influence how college students travel across campus, participate in evening activities, and engage with their university community. This study proposes that improved street lighting is associated with increased perceptions of safety and reduced fear of crime among college students in urban environments. Guided by the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), the research examines how environmental design, particularly lighting quality, shapes students' feelings of security. The study addresses two research questions: (1) How does street lighting influence college students' perceptions of safety in urban communities? and (2) To what extent can improved street lighting reduce fear of victimization among college students? To investigate these questions, a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature, criminological research, and published case studies will be conducted to identify patterns between lighting conditions and perceived safety. Preliminary findings are expected to indicate that well-lit walkways, parking lots, and public spaces are associated with lower levels of fear and greater confidence when navigating campus environments. These findings may support the use of cost-effective environmental design strategies to improve campus safety, encourage greater student engagement, and promote healthier learning environments. The study concludes that street lighting has the potential to serve as an important crime prevention and public safety strategy for colleges and universities in urban settings. Acknowledgements: This research was completed through the Florida International University McNair Scholars Program. The author gratefully acknowledges the support of the program and the faculty and staff who provided guidance throughout the development of this research project.
Immigration and Juvenile Delinquency: Examining the Role of Social Integration and Structural Inequality
Amerie’ N. Kinney
The University of Oklahoma
Public discourse frequently associates immigration with crime, despite a growing body of research suggesting that immigrant youth often engage in delinquent behavior at lower rates than their native-born peers. This project examines the relationship between immigration status and juvenile delinquency in the United States, with particular attention to how social, economic, and legal factors shape youth involvement in the justice system. Existing scholarship has explored immigrant assimilation, structural inequality, neighborhood context, and the criminalization of immigration; however, fewer studies integrate these perspectives to examine juvenile delinquency specifically. This research seeks to address that gap by investigating how factors such as family cohesion, socioeconomic status, community support, discrimination, and legal vulnerability influence delinquency outcomes among immigrant and non-immigrant youth.
This study will employ a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative analysis of existing juvenile justice and demographic data will be used to compare patterns of offending among immigrant and non-immigrant youth. Qualitative analysis of scholarly literature, policy reports, and case studies will further explore the social and legal mechanisms that influence youth behavior and justice system involvement. By combining statistical trends with contextual analysis, the project aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors associated with juvenile delinquency. The project will discuss how structural inequalities and public narratives linking immigration and crime may shape both policy responses and juvenile justice outcomes. Ultimately, this research contributes to ongoing discussions regarding immigration, youth development, and equitable approaches to juvenile justice reform.
Employment Outcomes and Career Aspirations in Individuals with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: The Role of Social Functioning
Anya Williamson
Lamar University
Employment is an important component of recovery for individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Employment provides financial stability, daily structure, and opportunities for social engagement. Despite these benefits, many individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders experience barriers to obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment, and little is known about how social functioning influences employment outcomes and career aspirations. This study examined whether social functioning predicts employment outcomes and career preferences among adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to adults with a self-reported diagnosis of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Sixty-six participants met inclusion criteria and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and one-way analyses of variance. Significant differences in social functioning were observed across diagnostic groups, with participants diagnosed with schizophrenia reporting lower social functioning than those with schizoaffective disorder. However, employment outcomes varied across diagnostic groups. Participants consistently prioritized careers that were meaningful and personally fulfilling, while frequent social interaction ranked among the least desirable job characteristics. These findings suggest that although social functioning differs across schizophrenia spectrum disorder diagnoses, it does not independently predict all employment outcomes. Future research should utilize larger samples and incorporate clinician-rated assessments and objective employment measures to better identify factors that promote meaningful, sustainable employment for individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
Keywords: social functioning, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, employment, career aspirations