Study on Effects of Contact to Regional Environment on the Development of Place Attachment of High School Students on Their Way to School

For high school students attending high schools in Oyabe City, Toyama

Abstract

In this study, we empirically examined the effects of encounters with the environment and people in the community on the development of place attachment among high school students when they commute to school, and clarified what kinds of contact opportunities are effective in building place attachment. Specifically, we conducted a questionnaire survey of 380 high school students attending the high schools in Oyabe City, Toyama, and found statistically that encounters with nature and people in the community affects preference to the place and emotional place attachment. Furthermore, it was suggested that developing place attachment in childhood may lead to an increased awareness of U-turn and participation in local activities.