Built environment usability and freshmen’s coping skills: the mediating effect of place attachment

Abstract

ABSTRACT The current study identifies the mediating effect of place identity and place dependence, dimensions of Place Attachment (PA), on the relationship between Built Environment Usability (BEU) (walkability, control, accessibility, wayfinding) and college Freshmen’s Coping Skills (FCS). Additionally, the differences between native and non-native freshmen regarding PA and coping skills are evaluated. Collected data from surveying 360 freshmen were analyzed using bootstrapping method in Hayes SPSS Process Macron. Results demonstrated a 69% direct effect of BEU on FCS, having ‘wayfinding' as the most influential factor. The partial mediation model is established, with place identity accounting for approximately 52% and place dependence for 78% of the BEU impact on FCS. There is also a significant difference concerning coping skills and PA between native and non-native freshmen. While shedding light on the importance of inclusive design in the college environment, the present outcomes provide a design framework to enhance FCS and PA. Highlights College environment’s walkability, control, accessibility and wayfinding should be considered to provide a usable and inclusive design. Wayfinding is the most influential built environment usability factor on freshmen’s coping skills. Built environment usability’s impact on freshmen’s coping skills is partially mediated by place attachment. Native and non-native freshmen’s coping skills and place attachment differs significantly.