Belonging: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 20:48, 24 July 2024

Summary

A sense of Belonging is the feeling of being accepted, valued, and connected within a community or group.

Belonging is an outcome of environment building and participation in healthy group activities. When everyone in a group is invited to participate in an activity, and they then experience the positive and appropriate engagement of others, this encourages positive social bonds that augment the protective effects of inclusion and support, and build trust.

Notes and References

JAMA Open Network, October, 2020

Group training that builds cohesive, healthy military units is promising for upstream suicide prevention.

The study’s findings validate the underlying network health model: stronger bonds within a more cohesive healthy class reduced suicidal ideation and depression symptoms. These findings suggest that Wingman-Connect classes became increasingly unified around healthy norms and encouraged classmates who were vulnerable to mental health or occupational problems at a key juncture of military training, in addition to meeting their needs for belonging.

ChatGPT generated stuff for inspiration

Belonging in the context of preventative mental health care refers to the feeling of being accepted, valued, and connected within a community or group. This sense of belonging is crucial for mental well-being and can play a significant role in preventing mental health issues. Here are several ways belonging contributes to preventative mental health care:

Social Support: Feeling a sense of belonging provides individuals with a network of support, which can be crucial in times of stress or crisis. Supportive relationships can help buffer the effects of stress and reduce the risk of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression (National University).
Self-Esteem and Identity: Belonging contributes to a positive self-concept and identity. When individuals feel accepted and valued by their community, it enhances their self-esteem and overall sense of worth, which are protective factors against mental health issues (National University) (Center for Teaching & Learning).
Resilience: A strong sense of belonging can foster resilience, helping individuals cope more effectively with life's challenges and setbacks. Knowing that one has a supportive community can encourage adaptive coping strategies and reduce feelings of isolation and hopelessness (Vanderbilt University) (Center for Teaching & Learning).
Positive Behavioral Health: Communities that promote belonging often engage in collective activities that encourage healthy behaviors and provide opportunities for social engagement, physical activity, and purposeful involvement, all of which contribute to better mental health outcomes (National University) (Center for Teaching & Learning).
Early Detection and Intervention: In communities where belonging is fostered, members are more likely to notice when someone is struggling and offer help or encourage them to seek professional support. This can lead to earlier detection and intervention for mental health issues, preventing them from becoming more severe (Center for Teaching & Learning) (Wikipedia).

Promoting a sense of belonging can be achieved through various strategies, such as creating inclusive environments, encouraging social connections, and fostering a culture of acceptance and support within communities and organizations. This holistic approach is essential in developing effective preventative mental health care systems.

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-'''This is a placeholder page for testing purposes generated automatically - don't use it for anything important - if you are an editor, please correct it!'''
+=== Summary ===
-[[File:Belonging generated image.webp|alt=placeholder image - picture of people standing in a circle|thumb|placeholder image - picture of people standing in a circle]]
+A sense of Belonging is the feeling of being accepted, valued, and connected within a community or group.
+Belonging is an outcome of environment building and participation in healthy group activities.  When everyone in a group is invited to participate in an activity, and they then experience the positive and appropriate engagement of others, this encourages positive social bonds that augment the protective effects of inclusion and support, and build trust.
+=== Notes and References ===
+'''JAMA Open Network, October, 2020'''
+Group training that builds cohesive, healthy military units is promising for upstream suicide prevention.
+The study’s findings validate the underlying network health model: stronger bonds within a more cohesive healthy class reduced suicidal ideation and depression symptoms.<sup> </sup> These findings suggest that Wingman-Connect classes became increasingly unified around healthy norms and encouraged classmates who were vulnerable to mental health or occupational problems at a key juncture of military training, in addition to meeting their needs for belonging.
-The concept of "belonging" within the context of social-emotional learning (SEL) refers to the feeling of being accepted, valued, and included by a group or community. It encompasses the emotional experience of connection and community among individuals. In SEL, belonging is considered a fundamental human need and is critical for personal development, as it influences one's self-esteem, happiness, and emotional well-being.
+=== ChatGPT generated stuff for inspiration ===
+[[File:Belonging generated image.webp|alt=placeholder image - picture of people standing in a circle|thumb|placeholder image - picture of people standing in a circle]]
-In educational settings, fostering a sense of belonging is vital for students' academic success and personal growth. When students feel that they belong, they are more likely to engage positively with their learning, participate in classroom activities, and exhibit pro-social behaviors. A sense of belonging in school can reduce feelings of isolation and alienation, which are associated with negative outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and decreased academic performance.
+Belonging in the context of preventative mental health care refers to the feeling of being accepted, valued, and connected within a community or group. This sense of belonging is crucial for mental well-being and can play a significant role in preventing mental health issues. Here are several ways belonging contributes to preventative mental health care:
-SEL programs aim to create supportive and inclusive environments where everyone feels they have a place and are valued members of the community. This is achieved through various means, including promoting empathy, respect, and understanding among students; encouraging positive relationships between peers and between students and teachers; and implementing inclusive policies and practices that recognize and celebrate diversity.
+# '''Social Support''': Feeling a sense of belonging provides individuals with a network of support, which can be crucial in times of stress or crisis. Supportive relationships can help buffer the effects of stress and reduce the risk of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression (National University).
+# '''Self-Esteem and Identity''': Belonging contributes to a positive self-concept and identity. When individuals feel accepted and valued by their community, it enhances their self-esteem and overall sense of worth, which are protective factors against mental health issues (National University) (Center for Teaching & Learning).
+# '''Resilience''': A strong sense of belonging can foster resilience, helping individuals cope more effectively with life's challenges and setbacks. Knowing that one has a supportive community can encourage adaptive coping strategies and reduce feelings of isolation and hopelessness (Vanderbilt University) (Center for Teaching & Learning).
+# '''Positive Behavioral Health''': Communities that promote belonging often engage in collective activities that encourage healthy behaviors and provide opportunities for social engagement, physical activity, and purposeful involvement, all of which contribute to better mental health outcomes (National University) (Center for Teaching & Learning).
+# '''Early Detection and Intervention''': In communities where belonging is fostered, members are more likely to notice when someone is struggling and offer help or encourage them to seek professional support. This can lead to earlier detection and intervention for mental health issues, preventing them from becoming more severe (Center for Teaching & Learning) (Wikipedia).
-Overall, belonging is a crucial component of social-emotional learning, supporting individuals' emotional and social development and contributing to healthier, more cohesive communities.
+Promoting a sense of belonging can be achieved through various strategies, such as creating inclusive environments, encouraging social connections, and fostering a culture of acceptance and support within communities and organizations. This holistic approach is essential in developing effective preventative mental health care systems.