Community as Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral: An Ecological Mixed-Methods Study of Community Meaning, Sense, and Participation Among Turkish Immigrants

Abstract

In an era of migration and growing polarization, immigrants strive to rebuild communities that sustain belonging and participation. This dissertation investigates what “community” means to Turkish populations and how ecological factors influence community meaning (MOC), psychological sense of community (PSOC), and community participation (CP). Using a mixed-methods design, two qualitative studies with Turkish American immigrants are followed by a survey study that extends to Turkish immigrants in the U.S./Canada/Europe and residents in Turkey. Employing ecological systems theory and community typologies, the research integrates interviews, scale development and validation, and structural equation modeling to explain individual community experiences in the context of macro-, meso-, and micro-level forces. Findings reveal a three-dimensional framework of community: cognitive (MOC), affective (PSOC), and behavioral (CP). Language and history emerged as powerful influencers of MOC. Linguistic gaps and code-switching structured how “community” is conceptualized in immigrants, and exposure to English influenced this conceptualization even within Turkey. Moreover, PSOC was found to be multiple and contextual rather than singular and monolithic. Friendship diversity was associated with broader, more inclusive PSOC toward local communities and religious out-groups. On the other hand, perceptions of negative political climate in Turkey correlated with weaker PSOC in local and religious communities abroad, demonstrating the impact of transnational macrosystemic forces. Parental community involvement predicted adult CP, while involvement in religious settings supported local participation when institutions were inclusive. Cultural orientation showed nuanced, non-uniform effects across outcomes. Methodologically, the dissertation offers a validated Two-Factor Meaning of Community Scale, culturally adapted Turkish measures of PSOC and CP, and interview protocols for immigrant community research. Theoretically, it extends ecological systems theory into a transnational chronosystem and centers MOC as a distinct cognitive construct that conditions affection and action. Practically, it calls for culturally and linguistically responsive interventions that align with individuals’ community meanings, build inclusive institutions, promote bridging friendships, and take into account cross-border politics to ensure positive community sense and meaningful community participation among immigrants.