Structure and changes of psychological sense of community in neighborhood community among middle-aged and older adults

2011 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22730476
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Social psychology
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: SUGAWARA Ikuko 東京大学, 高齢社会総合研究機構, 特任助教 (10509821)
• Project Period (FY): 2010 – 2011
• Keywords: コミュニティ感覚 / 高齢社会 / 近隣関係 / 居住地域への態度

Research Abstract

Psychological sense of community(PSOC) in neighborhood community was examined with middle-aged and older adults living in a suburban city of Tokyo. Longitudinal data from participants in community courses revealed no changes of PSOC scores. A cross-sectional survey with randomly selected people aged 55 and older showed positive association between the social activity participation and PSOC scores, as well as positive association between the recent retirement from paid work and a motivation for contribution to the community. Results suggest the need to examine a dimension and a measure which is sensitive to the development of people's sense of community.