From Attachment to Action: Exploring the Role of Place Attachment in Households' Flood Adaptation

Abstract

This research investigates the dynamic nature of place attachment and its critical role in shaping household-level climate change adaptation, particularly in the context of flood damage reduction. With the increasing frequency and intensity of flooding due to climate change, understanding the factors that drive households to adopt adaptation measures is essential for developing effective policies. While many studies have explored various psychological and social factors influencing household adaptation, this study uniquely focuses on place attachment—a concept that, despite its significance, has often been underexplored and treated as static in existing literature.

This thesis approaches place attachment as a multi-dimensional and dynamic factor that evolves over time and interacts with household adaptation decisions. By conceptualizing place attachment in this way, the research provides a more comprehensive understanding of its influence on flood resilience. The study employs an agent-based model (ABM) grounded in the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and is supported by statistical analysis, data analysis, and a review of existing literature. The case study is based in the Houston, Texas region, a coastal urban area prone to flooding, using survey data that includes specific measures of place attachment and household adaptation behaviors.

The research identifies two distinct dimensions of place attachment: active and traditional. Active place attachment involves engagement and participation in the community, while traditional place attachment reflects a more passive, sentimental connection to the place. These dimensions were found to be significant drivers of household adaptation measures such as elevation, wet-proofing, and dry-proofing. However, the study also reveals that the relationship between adaptation measures and place attachment is complex; certain adaptations can either strengthen or weaken place attachment, leading to mixed outcomes in terms of flood resilience.

Key findings include the synergistic effect of strong active and traditional place attachments, which together drive higher adaptation rates and more significant reductions in flood damage. The study also highlights the profound impact of flood experiences on household adaptation, which is heavily influenced by the state of place attachment. For example, if a flood weakens place attachment, the motivation to adapt decreases, leading to outcomes similar to those in scenarios where no flooding occurred. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of public protection measures, noting that while they can reduce flood risk, they may also inadvertently damage place attachment, thereby reducing household-level adaptation efforts.

From a policy perspective, the findings suggest that fostering both active and traditional place attachments can be a powerful tool in motivating households to implement flood adaptation measures. Policymakers should consider strategies that enhance place attachment as part of broader efforts to improve flood resilience.

Despite the valuable insights provided, the research acknowledges several limitations, including a small sample size in later survey waves and the reliance on limited literature for modeling dynamic place attachment. The absence of panel data to capture the evolution of place attachment over time is also noted as a limitation. Future research should aim to address these gaps by conducting larger, more targeted surveys and collecting longitudinal data to better understand the factors that influence place attachment and its role in household adaptation.