People and place attachment: Exploring compliance in neighborhood health centers

Abstract

This article explores the roles of place attachment and social relationships in encouraging clients of a health center to comply with their health providers’ directives. We draw on place attachment theory to explore the extent to which emotional bonds between clients and the center promote compliance. Next, we draw on place social bonding to explore whether clients’ experiences derived from interactions at the center encourage compliance. Based on data obtained from center clients, we conclude that place attachment and social bonding drive compliance. From a practical perspective, providers and clients must engage in social interaction to promote compliance and engender place attachment.

Keywords:

• Compliance
• commercial friendships
• place attachment
• health center
• place social bonding
• social relationships