On solid ground: Secure attachment promotes place attachment

Abstract

The psychological determinants of place attachment have thus far been explored only to a limited extent. We propose that the bonds humans develop with other humans (attachment styles) are consequential to understand the bonds individuals develop with places and spaces (place attachment). We examined this hypothesis in four studies. Study 1 (N = 101) shows that attachment style is associated with the number of places people are attached to, their location, and the strength of place attachment. Study 2 (N = 210) shows that the psychological benefits individuals derive from place attachment are associated with their attachment style. Study 3 (N = 222) establishes the causal effect between secure attachment style and place attachment using an experimental manipulation. The manipulation induced attachment security, which increased strength of place attachment, particularly in individuals with insecure attachment styles. Lastly, Study 4 (N = 212) replicates this experimental effect and shows that increased feelings of connectedness and universality mediate the causal relationship between secure attachment style and place attachment.