Mood and anxiety disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD), and anxiety disorders, affect millions worldwide and pose sig

This study conducts a cross-sectional analysis to examine the complex relationship between perceived neighborhood disorder and adolescent social behaviors, aiming to enhance our understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship. Based on a robust sample of 4399 Chinese adolescent participants (M_age = 14.16, SD = 2.11), including 2112 females (48% of the sample), this study examines the combined impact of perceived neighborhood disorder and the presence of positive peer relationships on adolescent prosocial behavior. It examines the potential mediating role of self-esteem within this dynamic. The methodological approach combines parental assessments of neighborhood disorder with adolescents’ reports of positive peer interactions, self-esteem, and prosocial behavior. Findings show a significant negative correlation between perceived neighborhood disorder and adolescent prosocial behavior. Unexpectedly, positive peer presence fails to mitigate this adverse effect, amplifying it instead. Moreover, self-esteem serves as a mediator in the relationship between perceived neighborhood disorder and the impact of positive peers on prosocial behavior. The findings align with the Bioecological Framework and the Reverse Stress-Buffering Model, underscoring the importance of environmental interactions in shaping adolescent behavior.