Book of Abstracts [Unofficial – Accepted Presentation, Abstract Submission Ongoing]

Quality of life in rural areas is influenced by a complex interplay of physical, functional, and social factors within the local environment. Research conducted in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s (Weidemann & Anderson, 1985) demonstrated significant correlations between both physical and social characteristics of the environment and residents’ satisfaction with their place of living. However, other studies (Kasprzak & Derbis, 1999) indicate that a high sense of life quality is not necessarily linked to the full satisfaction of material needs. Objective conditions alone do not directly determine life satisfaction. Rather, the key determinant is an individual's subjective perception of their life situation. In psychology, this phenomenon is referred to as the "satisfaction paradox," where individuals report high life satisfaction despite unfavorable living conditions (Sęk, 1993). Analyses show that, among rural residents, emotional attachment to place and the social character of the community are often more important than material conditions. The aim of this presentation is to explore the phenomenon of rural quality of life by focusing on how subjective perceptions and social bonds shape overall life satisfaction, often outweighing objective living standards. These insights may inform policies and interventions aimed at supporting well-being in rural communities.