Dwelling Features as Intervening Variables in Housing Satisfaction and Propensity to Move

Abstract

Dwelling features were examined to determine their role as intervening variables between dwelling characteristics and two additional factors: housing satisfaction and propensity to move. The sample comprised 161 female heads of single-parent families with elementary-school-aged children. A path analysis was used to test a causal model both for the entire study group and separately for black and white respondents. The results show that housing satisfaction was the most indicative determinant for propensity to move for both black and white women. Housing type also had a significant, direct effect on propensity to move among white women. Dwelling features were the prime determinants of housing satisfaction for both groups. Other background variables showed indirect effects through dwelling features. The results have policy and design implications for housing developed for single-parent families.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sheila Baillie

Sheila Baillie is an Assistant Professor of Housing at Florida State University.