Abstract

In considering both the affective and the cognitive component that characterize the relationship between people and places, the present study aimed at investigating which factors affect place attachment and identification with the social groups of inhabitants in two different populations (N = 388): students attending University in their home-town versus students coming from other parts of Italy and Europe. In the first group, results showed that place attachment is affected by the presence of important social relations, whereas for the others a key role is played by gender, place of birth and the use of the place for restorative experiences. Concerning identification, place of birth is the best predictor in both the populations. Theoretical implications are discussed.