Psychological effects of travel behavior on preference of residential location choice

The objective of this exploratory research is to investigate psychological effects of travel behavior on residential location choice by commuters. Structural equations were developed based on 176 samples from two cities in Thailand, namely, Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani. Empirical results revealed that preference regarding residential location was significantly affected by behavioral intention towards car usage. Those who preferred life with frequent car use in the future would be less likely to stay in an environment with convenient public transport. In addition, individual’s moral obligation of car use reduction was found to be a significant determinant for behavioral intention for frequent use car. In other words, respondents who thought they should refrain from car use would possess lower intention for a future life with frequent use car. Several socio-economic variables and psychological images regarding modes of transport were investigated in the present study. Respondents’ gender and current residential location were among the main factors that significantly linked to future residential preference. Furthermore, some psychological aspects towards modes of transport were found to be important determinants for respondents’ choice of future residential area.