Belonging: a review of conceptual issues, an integrative framework, and directions for future research

Abstract

Objective: A sense of belonging–the subjective feeling of deep connection with social groups, physical places, and individual and collective experiences–is a fundamental human need that predicts numerous mental, physical, social, economic, and behavioural outcomes. However, varying perspectives on how belonging should be conceptualised, assessed, and cultivated has hampered much-needed progress on this timely and important topic. To address these critical issues, we conducted a narrative review that summarizes existing perspectives on belonging, describes a new integrative framework for understanding and studying belonging, and identifies several key avenues for future research and practice...