Authors: Natalie Xiaoqi Liu, Helen X.H. Bao, Haijun Bao
Year: 2026
Status: Under Review
PDF: Download
Research line: Spatial personality
Abstract
Traditional models of residential mobility often emphasize rational economic choices, yet empirical evidence frequently reveals irrational relocation behaviours driven by psychological factors. This study investigates the influence of Big Five personality traits on residential mobility intentions across diverse spatial dimensions (intra-city and inter-city) and temporal horizons (short-, middle-, and long-term). Utilizing the Generalised Structural Equation Modeling (GSEM) approach, our findings underscore that personality traits are critical determinants of relocation intentions, with their impact being systematically exerted through specific psychological pathways. These mechanisms include emotional states such as excitement and anxiety, as well as the subjective evaluation of social costs, economic costs, and physical environment value. The results highlight that Openness, Agreeableness and Neuroticism emerge as the most prominent predictors. Specifically, Openness and Agreeableness could promote mobility intentions through excitement and economic evaluation, Neuroticism primarily drives spatial moves via increased anxiety. This study demonstrates that personality-driven migration is a key driver in the formation of spatial personality patterns, which provides a critical framework for urban planners to align regional development strategies with the psychological profiles of their populations.