Poor housing conditions in adolescence and housing hardship in adulthood: A longitudinal mediation analysis

Abstract

Despite a growing body of literature on housing and its immediate effects on various life outcomes, little is known whether poor housing conditions in adolescence are related to housing outcomes in adulthood. This study examined the association between poor housing conditions in adolescence and housing hardship in adulthood, as well as the potential mechanisms underlying this association. We utilized data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to investigate whether poor housing conditions in adulthood are longitudinally associated with housing hardship in adulthood. Moreover, we conducted formal mediation analyses, considering financial, educational, health, and behavioral factors to elucidate the mechanisms involved. Poor housing conditions in adolescence were positively associated with housing hardship in adulthood. Although the association appeared more pronounced for women than for men, this gender difference was not statistically significant. Educational attainment was the most significant mediator for both men and women. Financial, health, and behavioral factors played minimal or no mediating roles. The findings of this study suggest that improving housing conditions during adolescence and addressing the educational implications of poor housing conditions emerge as potential strategies for interventions aimed at promoting housing stability in later life.