MULTIPLE SENSE OF COMMUNITY, IDENTITY, AND WELL-BEING IN A CONTEXT OF MULTI CULTURE: A MEDIATION MODEL

Within Community Psychology, Sense of Community (SOC) has become a primary indicator in the study of communities. This study investigated Multiple Sense of Community (MSOC) and its relationship to identities and well-being in a multi cultural context, the Station Zone of Reggio Emilia, Italy. The principal aim of this study was to analyze SOC in a multicultural environment as a tool to assess and understand wellbeing and quality of life among people from different ethnic groups. Specifically, the role of MSOC as a mediator between residents’ identities and well-being within a context of multi culture, was examined. A mediation model was applied. Results indicated MSOC was fundamental to the study of multicultural communities; the role of SOC mediation depended on the type of SOC considered and a mediation role of relational SOC changed among ethnic groups. Finally, different practical implications in social and community projects and interventions are discussed.