Residential Mobility

Abstract

In this article, we summarize psychological research on residential mobility. Psychological research has shed new light on the short-term consequences of residential moves, such as excitement, anxiety, and loneliness, as well as on long-term consequences, such as subjective well-being and mortality risk in adulthood. Psychological research has also clarified the causal relationships between residential mobility and important societal outcomes, such as pro-community action. Finally, recent research integrating psychological and sociological perspectives has led to several new discoveries. For instance, residential mobility evokes anxiety, which in turn leads to familiarity seeking, which in turn leads to favorable market conditions for national chain stores. This article highlights the fact that residential moves have important implications not only for individuals but also for society.