By My Question Life
We all crave a sense of belonging, whether we realize it or not. Whether it’s at social gatherings, at work, or in our families, we want to feel accepted and comfortable.
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When we feel like we belong, we experience meaning, life satisfaction, physical health and psychological stability. When we feel excluded, physical pain and a wide range of psychological ailments result.
Recent research is establishing the critical nature of social belongingness.
We have explored the nature of non-belonging, how it is created, the losses and consequences and what it means to bring healing to it. It is important to allow for differing levels of belonging with an inner circle of friends being where we feel most welcomed, understood and accepted.
A psychological sense of belonging is a greater predictor of major depression than other factors commonly associated with depression, such as social support, conflict and loneliness.
An absence of belonging has negative and devastating effects on people, both physically and psychologically.
Finding ways to belong can help ease the pain of loneliness.
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Social belonging is a fundamental human need, hardwired into our DNA. And yet, 40% of people say that they feel isolated at work, and the result has been lower organizational commitment and engagement.
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We cannot separate the importance of a sense of belonging from our physical and mental health.
Much of human behavior, thought, and emotion stems from our psychological need to belong. In psychologist Christopher Peterson’s words, other people matter.
Columnist Amanda Enayati ponders the theme of seeking serenity, the quest for well-being, and life balance in stressful times.
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