Place attachment and natural hazard risk: Research review and agenda

• Published in: Journal of environmental psychology Vol. 48; pp. 33 - 53
• Main Authors: Bonaiuto, Marino, Alves, Susana, De Dominicis, Stefano, Petruccelli, Irene
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier India Pvt Ltd 01.12.2016
• Subjects: Natural environment; Natural hazard; Place attachment; Risk coping; Risk perception; Sense of place; Sense of place; Natural environment; Risk perception; Place attachment; Risk coping; Natural hazard
• ISSN: 0272-4944; 1522-9610
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2016.07.007

Little is known about how place attachment affects natural hazard risk perception and coping. A systematic search of social science databases revealed 31 works (1996–2016) that directly address place attachment in relation to natural hazard risk or natural environmental risks (seismic, volcanic, etc.). Across different contexts, the research shows: (a) both positive and negative relations between place attachment and natural environmental risk perception; (b) both positive and negative relations between place attachment and risk coping; and (c) mediating and moderating relations. In particular, results show that: (a) strongly attached individuals perceive natural environmental risks but underestimate their potential effects; (b) strongly attached individuals are unwilling to relocate when facing natural environmental risks and are more likely to return to risky areas after a natural environmental disaster; (c) place attachment acts both as a mediating and moderating variable between risk perception and coping. Place attachment should play a more significant role in natural hazard risk management.