Testing a Model of Durkheim’s Theory of Emotional Solidarity among Residents of a Tourism Community

The purpose of this study was to test the theoretical framework of emotional solidarity in seeking to better explain the dynamic, complex relationships existing between residents and tourists. Measurement and structural models pertaining to the framework were simultaneously estimated, both of which were deemed to have good model fit based on incremental and absolute model fit indices. Three antecedent constructs (i.e., shared beliefs, shared behavior, and interaction) were all found to be significant predictors of emotional solidarity, explaining approximately 33% of the variance in the construct. This work provides support for Durkheim’s theoretical framework and provides a gateway into future studies surrounding emotional solidarity.