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Belongingness
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Belongingness is the human emotional need to be an accepted member of a group. Whether it is family, friends, co-workers, a religion, or something else, some people tend to have an 'inherent' desire to belong and be an important part of something greater than themselves. This implies a relationship that is greater than simple acquaintance or familiarity.
Belonging is a strong feeling that exists in human nature.[1] To belong or not to belong is a subjective experience that can be influenced by a number of factors within people and their surrounding environment.[1] A person's sense of belonging can greatly impact the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual emotions within themselves.
Roy Baumeister and Mark Leary argue that belongingness is such a fundamental human motivation that people feel severe consequences for not belonging. Were it not so fundamental, then lacking a sense of belonging would not have such dire consequences. This desire is so universal that the need to belong is found across all cultures and different types of people.[2]
Active listening can help create the feeling of belonging; this is because it enables the ability to listen and respond to another person in an understanding and meaningful way.[citation needed] When the person feels truly heard, especially in a way that promotes unconditional positive regard, they are able to feel a significantly higher sense of belonging and acceptance.
- ^ a b Allen, Kelly-Ann (2020). The Psychology of Belonging. Melbourne: Routledge. p. 5. ISBN 978-0367347529.
- ^ Baumeister, R. F.; Leary, M. R. (1995). "The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation". Psychological Bulletin. 117 (3): 497–529. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.117.3.497. PMID 7777651.
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