The psychological determinants of attitudes toward relocation in the elderly: A survey study in rural and urban environments

The aim of the study is to analyze and compare different individual, psycho-social, and psycho-environmental responses of elderly living in different environments. The conceptual frame of reference is the Complementary-Congruence Model of person-environment fit (Carp & Carp, 1984), which focuses on relevant changes in person-environment relationship during the life-span, with particular attention to the processes of ageing. Participants (N = 201 aged over-65 recruited in urban and rural places) filled in a questionnaire including an array of measures. Significant differences emerged between urban and rural elderly residents in psychological well-being, social network, collective identity, and attitudes to relocate. Psycho-social and psycho-environmental dimensions were more influent than individual and intra-personal dimensions on attitudes toward short- and long-term relocation. In particular, a higher environmental competence and a lower home attachment and perceived social network are associated with attitudes toward both short-term and long-term relocation. Finally, environmental competence resulted also as the strongest antecedent of psychological well-being. © 2011 by Fundación Infancia y Aprendizaje.