Connection to Place

Exploring Community Satisfaction and Attachment among Rural Youth

Abstract

Research on community satisfaction and attachment has been conducted over several decades, with most studies focused on older adult populations. The purpose of the present study was to develop and test models of community satisfaction and attachment for youth. Using a sample of youth ages 15-21 from rural eastern Germany, the proposed models examined the importance of sociodemographic, length of residence and social ties, population, and community feature variables in explaining satisfaction and attachment. Multiple regression analysis indicated the importance of length of residence and social variables, particularly for attachment, and social, housing, and leisure aspects of community life for satisfaction. The results are similar to those from adult studies. Future research is encouraged to replicate and expand upon this study. Furthermore, adult community leaders are encouraged to use the findings to develop opportunities and community features of relevance to youth