Using structural equation modelling to examine the relationship between place identity, sense of community, and environmental attitude

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the association between place identity, sense of community, and environmental attitude. Within the theoretical framework, a connection has been identified among the variables of place identity, sense of community, and environmental attitude. However, the experimental analysis of this connection remains limited, with just a few research providing an explanation for the relationship between these three concepts. In this context, 121 inhabitants of Kültür neighborhood (Duzce City) were interviewed verbally. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to learn the relationship between these concepts.SEM is a statistical technique utilized in the social sciences to determine relationships between latent variables. To achieve this, oral interview data went through a reliability test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS. Subsequently, confirmatory and regression analyses were conducted using LISREL to modify the model. Ultimately, the fit indices of the proposed model were assessed within the allowed range of fit values. The findings are significant in that they empirically highlight the importance of developing environmental and social policies to strengthen place identity and sense of community in order to improve environmental attitudes. As a result, it has been found that developing environmental awareness and consciousness is achievable through the bond and meaning that the community creates both within itself and with its place.•The theoretical relationship presented in the literature was evaluated experimentally using this method.•Data from oral interviews were analyzed using SPSS and LISREL softwares.