Multiple Ecological Levels in the Study of the Psychological Sense of Community With the Neighborhood of Residence

Abstract

Studies on the psychological sense of  community in neighborhoods have delved into the subjective experience of residents, identifying some predictive factors related to the time invested in the community and the activities carried out by residents. However, it is necessary to conceive neighborhoods as open environments that interact with the urban space that surrounds them. Furthermore, it is advisable to combine the study of subjective reactions and feelings of belonging with the social interaction that takes place in urban contexts. This article reflects on the advantages of adopting a multiple ecological levels of analysis approach, considering multiple reference communities simultaneously, and examining the role of neighboring neighborhoods in urban environments.