Belonging

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.

We cannot separate the importance of a sense of belonging from our physical and mental health. The social ties that accompany a sense of belonging are a protective factor helping manage stress and other behavioral issues. When we feel we have support and are not alone, we are more resilient, often coping more effectively with difficult times in our lives. Coping well with hardships decreases the physical and mental effects of these situations.

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/is-having-a-sense-of-belonging-important

Social connectedness and sense of belonging—the feelings of being a part of a larger group of individuals—are thought to be basic human needs [24,25]. The experience of a significant bond with a physical, relational, symbolic, or even imagined collectives is crucial for the survival of the individual, as well as for the continuity and prosperity of the community

The prevalent theoretical framework for a sense of community addresses four core elements [6]. ‘Membership’ (1) addresses feelings of belonging, emotional security, and identification. ‘Influence’ (2) refers to the ability of members make an impact on a community, and vice versa. ‘Integration and fulfillment of needs’ (3) implies that the community is capable of satisfying the physical and psychological needs of its members, which will reinforce members’ commitment to it. ‘Shared emotional connection’ (4) stems from identifying with a shared history of the community through personal investment and interaction with other members of the community

Indeed, there was a wide range of reported communities to belong to in this study, e.g., family, work, leisure groups, etc. Each type of community had its specific characteristics, suggesting different social roles, patterns of relationship, and communications, and providing different pathways and possibilities for connectedness and belonging [64,65].

This result is of importance in light of the strong association between the extent of the sense of connectedness and belonging and the level of well-being [23,25,30], suggesting that once the person established connectedness and belonging to any community, this provides a beneficial effect on well-being.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10002207/

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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:

1. 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)​.
2. 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)​.
3. 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)​.
4. 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)​.
5. 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.