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Clarifying Community Concepts: A Review of Community Attachment, Community Satisfaction, and Quality of Life

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  • Elizabeth Long-Meek

    (Sociology Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

  • Greta L. Asay

    (Sociology Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

  • Michael R. Cope

    (Sociology Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

Abstract

In the community research literature, the concepts of community attachment, community satisfaction, and quality of life are widely used but often lack clear and consistent definitions. Despite a substantial body of work across multiple disciplines, scholars frequently struggle to distinguish these terms, resulting in fragmented and sometimes contradictory discourse. This paper reviews and synthesizes existing literature on each concept, highlighting various interpretations, common definitions, and measurement strategies. Rather than aiming to resolve these conceptual inconsistencies, this review aims to serve as a conceptual resource for community researchers seeking to better navigate and apply these three widely used but often inconsistently defined terms. It contributes to both theory and practice by clarifying distinctions and overlaps, guiding future operationalization, and encouraging theoretical precision in community-based research across disciplines. By drawing on a broad interdisciplinary range of sources, this review provides a resource for scholars navigating this complex theoretical landscape and aims to support a more coherent and informed dialogue around these key community-based concepts.

Suggested Citation

  • Elizabeth Long-Meek & Greta L. Asay & Michael R. Cope, 2025. "Clarifying Community Concepts: A Review of Community Attachment, Community Satisfaction, and Quality of Life," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-20, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:8:p:216-:d:1719633
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