MEDIATING ROLE OF SENSE OF BELONGING IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL FACTORS AND NEIGHBOURHOOD ATTACHMENT: A CASE STUDY OF PENANG, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Many studies have examined the impact of social factors on neighbourhood attachment. However, more studies need to be on the mediating effect of the sense of belonging in a built environment. This study aims to investigate its mediating role in the relationship between social factors and neighbourhood attachment in two neighbourhoods in Penang Island, Malaysia. A sample of 362 residents was requested to answer a questionnaire survey with a Likert scale to measure the residents' assessment of social factors, neighbourhood attachment level and sense of belonging. Neighbourhood attachment is a second-order factor structure assessed by a first-order factor structure that includes place dependence and social bonding. The social factor is also a second-order construct with two dimensions: social trust and social support. The findings were then analysed by structural equation modelling. These results support the theoretical findings in the literature that social factors significantly affect the sense of belonging and neighbourhood attachment. The results also support the mediating role of a sense of belonging in the relationship between social factors and neighbourhood attachment. Fostering social trust and support within neighbourhoods is crucial for promoting neighbourhood attachment. This can be achieved through community-building activities and community-shared places. By fostering social trust and support, neighbourhoods can become vibrant, thriving communities where individuals feel a sense of belonging and connection.