Psychological Sense of Belonging

Perhaps more so than ever before, the human psychological need for a sense of belonging is cross-culturally indisputable. Prior to the worldwide pandemic, more than roughly half of all men and women across the United States reported symptoms of loneliness (Anderson & Thayer, 2018; Cigna, 2018). As deep as the human genome is a fundamental, biological, need to belong (Allen et al., 2021). Therefore, researchers’ (Baumeister & Robson, 2021) recognition of social disconnection as an ever-growing—-and world-wide—-issue is of high concern. 

When we lack a sense of belonging, our health is in great danger. Researchers have found the effects of social disconnection to be equal to that of smoking 15 cigarettes each day (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015). Associated with such disconnection and social isolation is an increased vulnerability for significant physical (i.e., cardiovascular difficulties, lowered immune functioning, early mortality) and mental (i.e., depression, poor sleep quality, rapid cognitive decline) health problems (Cacioppo et al., 2015; Hari, 2019; Hawkley & Capitanio, 2015). The good thing, however, is that humans are wired from birth to connect with one another. Meaning, these trials are avoidable.

Humans possess a fundamental need to belong that we continually seek to satisfy (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Deci & Ryan, 2000; Leary & Kelly, 2009; Maslow, 1954). As humans we have an innate desire to belong and deeply connect with other people and secure places, to align with our cultural/subcultural identities, and to feel like we are part of the systems around us. This fundamental need is based on evolutionary mechanisms that prompt the human brain to keep the body safe by motivating us to seek out social safety, connection, and belonging (Slavich, 2020). Besides satisfying a fundamental need and keeping us safe, a sense of belonging is associated with many positive outcomes including more positive social relationships, higher academic achievement, occupational success, and better physical and mental health (Allen et al., 2021; Allen et al., 2018; Goodenow & Grady, 1993; Hagerty et al., 1992).

Watch this TedTalk on how to create a sense of belonging:

Howard Partridge advises community members to help each other belong by 

1. Helping others reach their goals

2. Encouraging one another by helping others do the things they are afraid to do

3. Holding others accountable by helping others be who they want to be.

A sense of belonging on its own is a crucial aspect of meeting human needs, but is also fundamental to the positive outcomes of a sense of community and wellbeing. Continue working through this module to learn more about community and how you can foster a sense of belonging in the communities that surround you.