The Relationship Between Sense of Place Attachment and Individual Characteristics Based on the Williams and Vaske Framework (Case Study: Samaneh Lane, Shahid Faramarz Abbasi Neighborhood, Mashhad)
Keywords:
sense of attachment, personal characteristics, Williams and VaskehAbstract
This study aimed to examine the relationship between residents’ individual characteristics and the dimensions of place attachment, namely place identity and place dependence, in Samaneh Lane, Mashhad. This research employed a descriptive–analytical design based on documentary studies and field surveys. Data were collected using the standardized Williams and Vaske Place Attachment Questionnaire, which was localized and content-validated by experts prior to administration. The questionnaire consisted of two sections: individual characteristics (gender, age, marital status, housing tenure, education level, place of birth, and length of residence) and place attachment measured across two dimensions of place identity and place dependence. A total of 120 residents participated in the study. Given the non-normal distribution of variables, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to test the relationships, with the significance level set at 0.05. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between housing tenure (tenancy) and both place identity (r≈-0.23, p<0.05) and place dependence (r≈-0.28, p<0.01). Length of residence showed a significant positive correlation with place identity (r≈0.29, p<0.01) and place dependence (r≈0.23, p<0.05). Place of birth was positively and significantly associated with both dimensions of place attachment (p<0.05). Education level demonstrated a significant inverse relationship with place dependence (r≈-0.23, p<0.05) but was not significantly related to place identity. No significant associations were found between age, gender, or marital status and place attachment (p>0.05). The results indicate that place attachment in Samaneh Lane is at a moderate-to-high level and is mainly influenced by housing tenure, length of residence, place of birth, and education, with length of residence emerging as a key and potentially modifiable factor for enhancing neighborhood quality and social sustainability.
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