Association between third places and behavioral problems among adolescents: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

A third place is a location other than home or school/work. Most studies investigating third places have focused on adults of various ages, leaving a gap in the understanding of how third places affect adolescents’ mental health.

Objective

This study investigated the relationship between the availability of a third place and behavioral problems in adolescents.

Participants

and Setting: Participants comprised parents of Japanese eighth graders aged 13–14 years (n = 540).

Methods

The presence of a third place and behavioral issues were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, which measures emotional symptoms, peer relationship problems, conduct problems, and hyperactivity. Of the 540 reports, 369 (68.3 %) indicated that children had a third place. T-tests comparing mean scores showed that the group without a third place scored significantly higher on emotional symptoms and peer relationship problems than the group with a third place. A logistic regression analysis was conducted using the inverse weight method with propensity scores. The explanatory variable was the presence of a third place, and the objective variable was the occurrence of behavioral problems. Propensity scores were calculated based on gender, family structure, household income, and parental education.

Findings

The group with a third place scored significantly higher on behavioral problems and had a significantly lower risk of internalizing emotional symptoms and peer relationship problems than the group without such a place.

Conclusion

Having access to a third place can significantly reduce the risk of problematic behaviors in adolescents.