Citation

Smith SG. J. Environ. Psychol. 1994; 14(1): 31-46.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Academic Press)

DOI

10.1016/S0272-4944(05)80196-3

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study was concerned with identifying the essential qualities of a home by using a critical incident methodology. Twenty-three heterosexual subjects (including 11 couples) participated in structured interviews designed to elicit statements describing the attributes of home and non-home environments. The qualities of continuity, privacy, self-expression and personal identity, social relationships, warmth, and a suitable physical structure were associated with home environments, and were absent in residences which were not regarded as homes. In general, a high degree of consensus was found between men and women in their descriptions of home environments although evidence was found for a difference in emphasis in the use of categories of description. Security, a sense of belonging, and a dissatisfaction with their domestic role appeared to be a more salient characteristics of a home for women than men.