Journal of Urban Studies on Space and Place

A systematic review of place attachment studies with an emphasis on its relationship with sense of place

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Sepideh Zeidi 1
Mahmoud Ghalehnoee 1
Eissa Esfanjari Kenari 2

1 Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Restoration and Restoration of Historical Buildings and Textures, Faculty of Conservation and Restoration, Isfahan University of Arts, Isfahan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22034/jspr.2025.2071409.1165
Abstract
 
Introduction
Background and Problem Statement: The concepts of sense of place and attachment to place are two main pillars of research on the emotional connection of humans to the physical and social environment and are of fundamental importance in fields such as environmental psychology and urban planning. However, in the research literature, a conceptual ambiguity and extensive semantic overlap between these two key terms are observed, such that many empirical studies use these concepts synonymously and provide no precise explanation of the theoretical and methodological boundaries. This scientific confusion has not only prevented the development of accurate theoretical models but also challenged the methodological accuracy in the selection of measurement tools and the accumulation of knowledge.
Research Objective: The main objective of this research is to develop a clear analytical framework through a systematic review to identify the differences, similarities, and trends in these two key concepts and, by removing existing ambiguity, enhance the strength and accuracy of the theoretical foundations of future research.
Theoretical Framework
This research is situated within the theoretical frameworks of environmental psychology and humanistic geography, which emphasize the interaction and triadic nexus among the individual, mental processes (emotions and meaning), and the physical environment. Ontologically, “sense of place” is rooted in phenomenological and subjective perspectives that focus on individual and collective meaning-making of the environment. In contrast, “place attachment” is often shaped by affective-identity theories and emphasizes the behavioral, emotional, and more observable dimensions of this nexus. The theoretical framework of this study focuses on a comparative analysis of four key dimensions to explore in depth the distinctions: 1. nature and definition (subjective versus objective), 2. constitutive components (such as identity and affiliation), 3. measurability (direct and global measurement), and 4. temporal dimension of formation (short-term versus long-term).
Methodology
Research approach: This study adopted a domain review approach to comprehensively and structurally map existing knowledge and highlight key distinctions. This method ensures the validity and transparency of the review process by following the PRISMA standards.
Collection and analysis process: An initial search using Web Viewer and Publish or Parish software in Google Scholar led to the identification of approximately 500 relevant articles. After a screening phase based on title and abstract, and an assessment of article quality, 36 articles that directly compared and conceptually distinguished these two constructs were selected for in-depth qualitative content analysis. This process enabled an objective synthesis of knowledge and the mapping of research trends.
Discussion and Findings
A content analysis of the 36 selected articles revealed significant substantive differences in the four dimensions of the theoretical framework:
Differences in nature and definition:
Sense of place is an abstract, phenomenological, multidimensional, and subjective construct that, due to its qualitative nature, lacks a universal definition and a direct, unified measurement tool. Sense of place is often presented as a prerequisite or context for attachment.
Place attachment is more objective, tangible, and positive. This construct has relatively more consistent definitions and has specific, measurable dimensions (such as place identity and place attachment).
Measurability and research trends:
Due to its more precise definition and higher measurability through standardized instruments (such as attachment scales), place attachment has become more popular in empirical research. Research trends indicate that since 2016, scientific attention to place attachment has increasingly surpassed that of person attachment.
Temporal dimension:
“Sense of place” can be formed more quickly and immediately upon exposure, but “place attachment” is an emotional bond that often develops in a deeper and longer process and requires a history of interaction with the place.
Conclusion
Structured review and implications: The results of this systematic review emphasize the need for careful and distinct use of the terms “sense of place” and “place attachment” in future research. Their fundamental distinctions in terms of nature (subjective versus objective), measurability, and temporal dimension suggest that their interchangeability can undermine the validity of findings and the power of theorizing. By clarifying this conceptual gap and providing a coherent analytical framework, this study serves as a valuable methodological guide for researchers. This framework can help to avoid contradictory results and strengthen the theoretical foundations in all future studies related to the human-place connection.

Keywords

Place
Sense of place
Attachment to place
Systematic review

Subjects

 
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