Road widening: the story of role, place attachment, appraisal, coping, and stress

Abstract

This study wanted to determine if social roles, place attachment, appraisal and coping influence the level of stress of those affected by the road widening program using the Transactional Theory of Stress. Respondents (n= 123) were administered various composite measures and key informants were interviewed. Results indicate that those with affirmative place attachment had greater stress levels, as well as when the situation is appraised as threatening. The study lend partial support to predictions of the framework used. Recommendation of the study points to greater efforts from the government in conducting major social impact assessment (SIA) regarding the construction of road projects and providing assistive programs, not only limited to financial compensation but also attends to peoples' wellbeing and lifestyles.