Question 1

What can schools do to increase students' sense of belonging to the school community?

Kelly-Ann Allen · Accepted Answer

Schools play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of belonging amongst their students and my research continually points to the multifaceted nature of this process. A sense of belonging can't be instilled through a single action; rather, it requires a sustained and holistic approach that is woven into the fabric of the school community. First, schools must be intentional about creating a warm, inclusive and welcoming environment. The school ethos should communicate to every student that they are valued and that their contributions matter. This could be accomplished through the use of inclusive language, representation in school imagery and the celebration of different achievements beyond academia. Second, school policies and practices should promote and prioritize positive relationships. The relationships between students and their peers and teachers are foundational to their sense of belonging. Schools can foster positive relationships through activities that promote teamwork, empathy and understanding. Classroom practices that encourage cooperation and peer mentoring can also be beneficial. Third, schools should adopt strength-based approaches to teaching and learning. This involves focusing on and fostering the unique strengths and interests of each student, rather than concentrating primarily on areas for improvement. When students feel recognized and celebrated for their strengths, they are likely to feel more connected and engaged with their school community. Fourth, student voice and agency are also critical. Students should feel that their voices are heard, their opinions matter and they can contribute to decision-making processes in the school. Finally, schools should strive to engage families and the broader community. When students see their school forming part of their larger community, it can enhance their sense of belonging. This could involve community-based projects, parent-teacher partnerships and consistent communication between the school and families.

Question 2

How did you become interested in belonging and social inclusion?

Kelly-Ann Allen · Accepted Answer

My interest in belonging and social inclusion was piqued through a particularly profound encounter early in my career as a school psychologist. I met a middle-aged woman sleeping in her car outside the school grounds where I worked. When I spoke to her about finding another place to stay, I asked why she had chosen to sleep at this particular location. She responded that the school was a place she had attended as a teenager and it was the one place where she felt most safe – where she belonged. Despite her current circumstances, the school represented happier times in her life. This woman's profound attachment to the school and the sense of belonging it provided her sparked my curiosity and set off a journey to scientifically study the factors that promote a sense of belonging in school settings. The fundamental human need to belong, when unfulfilled, can lead to a plethora of undesirable consequences, both physical and psychological. Childhood and teenage years are crucial stages of life during which we form our identities and much of this identity formation occurs within the school context. A school that successfully fosters a sense of belonging and meets the needs of its students can also reap the benefits of having engaged students.

Question 3

Can those who were rejected and felt isolated and lonely in childhood/adolescent recover? What therapy approaches would you recommend for those who feel chronically lonely, even sometimes when they have good current connections?

Kelly-Ann Allen · Accepted Answer

While the experiences of rejection, isolation and loneliness in childhood/adolescence can certainly have a profound impact, they do not dictate a person's future. It is absolutely possible for individuals who have had these experiences to recover, grow from and cultivate a sense of connection and belonging in their lives. Therapeutic approaches for addressing chronic loneliness would ideally acknowledge and validate the person's experiences and feelings, while also helping them build strategies that foster connection, belonging and wellbeing. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, for instance, can be incredibly useful in helping individuals identify and shift unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving that might be perpetuating feelings of loneliness, even when they are embedded in social contexts. Another approach is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which encourages individuals to accept their emotions as a natural part of human experience, rather than fighting or avoiding them. This approach can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with feelings of loneliness as it helps them develop mindfulness and self-compassion. ACT also helps people identify and pursue values-driven actions that can enhance their sense of connection and belonging. Positive Psychology Interventions can also be beneficial, which aim to cultivate positive emotions, behaviors and cognitions. These interventions can help individuals focus on their strengths and learn strategies to enhance their wellbeing, resilience and relationships. It's important to remember that everyone's experiences and needs are unique and the most effective therapeutic approach will depend on one’s specific circumstances, preferences and goals.

Question 4

Do you believe that humans will ever transcend in-group, out-group dynamics?

Kelly-Ann Allen · Accepted Answer

In-group/out-group distinctions are fundamental aspects of our social psychology. They arise from our deep-seated need to belong, identify with a group and differentiate ourselves from others. This process is not inherently negative as it can give a sense of community and belonging. However, problems arise when it results in prejudice, bias and exclusion. So, can we ever transcend these dynamics? It's a challenging question. While it might be optimistic to believe we could eliminate such deeply ingrained patterns, we can significantly mitigate their harmful effects. We have the potential to consciously strive towards understanding, empathy and acceptance, pushing us towards an ideal where we value our shared humanity above arbitrary distinctions. We have made progress, for example, in lessening some forms of prejudice and discrimination, even if we still have a long way to go.

Question 5

What is the one most important thing a community center can do to increase a sense of belonging?

Kelly-Ann Allen · Accepted Answer

From a socio-ecological perspective and drawing upon my research and understanding in this area, I believe the most important thing a community center can do is adopt a systemic approach that recognizes and caters to the unique needs of its members. There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to cultivating a sense of belonging; instead, it is about understanding the different needs of community members and tailoring services and programs to meet these needs. The socio-ecological model teaches us that individuals are embedded within larger social systems and are influenced by the interconnected dynamics of individual, relational, community and societal factors. As part of these larger social systems, a community center has a profound impact on shaping the individual's experience of belonging. Understanding and responding to these different needs requires a commitment to dialogue and active engagement with community members. It's about going beyond merely offering services and programs to ensure initiatives align with the specific needs, interests and circumstances of those within the community. It means creating opportunities for community members to voice their needs and integrating their feedback into the development and refinement of programs and activities.

Question 6

How can we help clients develop an ability to "find their tribe" when they are longing to belong?

Kelly-Ann Allen · Accepted Answer

When considering how to help our clients "find their tribe," it's important to remember that belonging is a multifaceted construct shaped by several interrelated factors. To truly foster a sense of belonging, it may help clients to attend to four key components: Competencies for belonging: This points to the importance of skills and abilities in creating and maintaining connections. In the context of our clients, we can work on building social and emotional competencies to navigate group norms, improve communication and create healthy interpersonal relationships. This aspect can also include the cultivation of cultural competencies, such as understanding and appreciating their heritage and respecting the traditions of others. Opportunities to belong: This involves creating opportunities that allow our clients to interact and create connections. Here, we must consider facilitators and barriers to such opportunities, whether they are social, cultural, or structural. What might facilitate or prevent our clients from feeling included? Motivations to belong: This reflects the individual's desire to connect with others. As we work with our clients, it's important to understand their motivations and harness them to foster a sense of belonging. In cases where the motivation to belong is low due to past experiences of rejection or exclusion, we can employ strategies to rebuild their desire to connect with others. Perceptions of belonging: This refers to how our clients perceive their experiences of belonging. These perceptions can be deeply influenced by past experiences and affect a sense of belonging in their current environment. Thus, we must work to challenge any negative self-perceptions and help our clients develop a positive and realistic understanding of their place within their community. As practitioners, it's our role to assess and address each of these four components in the lives of our clients. By doing so, we can create a comprehensive approach that encourages a robust and enduring sense of belonging. The ultimate goal is to help our clients cultivate meaningful, supportive and satisfying connections that truly fulfill their needs for belonging.

Question 7

What are the biggest threats to cohesion and belonging in a group?

Kelly-Ann Allen · Accepted Answer

Several factors can threaten cohesion and belonging within a group. A significant issue is inequity and inequality. Disparities in opportunities, resources, or recognition can create tension and breed resentment among group members, making it challenging to sustain a sense of belonging. Every member needs to feel valued. The feeling of fairness is very important to feeling a sense of belonging. Another key threat comes from exclusionary practices. If some group members are intentionally or unintentionally left out of group activities or decision-making processes, it can lead to feelings of rejection and estrangement, which can severely impact cohesion.

Question 8

I'm finding it difficult to even meet others, much less build a meaningful connection! I'm 69, single, living in a new area and feel pretty lost. Maybe it just takes time?

Kelly-Ann Allen · Accepted Answer

First, I want to acknowledge the bravery it takes to share your feelings of loneliness, especially when navigating a new environment. It's not easy and you're not alone in these feelings. Moving to a new area can be a significant challenge, particularly when seeking to establish new relationships and connections. Remember that building meaningful relationships often takes time, so it's perfectly okay if things don't fall into place right away. However, let's not assume that time alone will do the job – proactive actions will also play a key role. Find avenues where opportunities to connect may exist – community centers, local clubs, hobby groups and volunteer organizations can be great spaces for this. These environments often unite diverse people with a common purpose, providing a natural context for conversation and connection. Don't hesitate to take the initiative. You might try inviting someone you meet for a casual coffee or suggesting a shared activity based on a common interest. People often appreciate when others take the first step, which can help establish rapport. Remember, however, the goal isn't simply to meet more people but to develop meaningful connections. Consider leveraging technology to maintain connections with friends and family who might not be geographically close. Regular video calls can go a long way in nurturing these relationships and providing a sense of belonging.

Question 9

I am starting a doctorate examining rural community connection. I expect loneliness will be a big part of my work. What other theoretical frameworks would you suggest I focus on?

Kelly-Ann Allen · Accepted Answer

Hello and congratulations on starting your doctoral journey! It sounds like you're engaging with a fascinating and critical area of research. I encourage you to incorporate a strength-based approach, which focuses on enhancing and leveraging positive aspects rather than merely mitigating negatives. In my research, I have found that many rural schools demonstrate higher levels of school belonging among students. Exploring why this is, what these schools and communities are doing right and how those positive practices can be cultivated elsewhere might provide illuminating insights. In terms of theoretical frameworks, you might want to explore the concept of social capital which can be a key factor in rural community connections. Social capital refers to the benefits derived from social networks, shared norms and mutual trust, which can greatly influence the sense of belonging and interconnectedness in rural communities. Ecological Systems Theory could also be highly relevant as it emphasizes the interplay between individuals and their environments including families, schools, communities and broader societal contexts. This perspective could help highlight how various factors at different levels of the system might influence rural community connection. Self-determination Theory could also be applicable. This theory posits that individuals have inherent growth tendencies and more readily pursue them in environments that provide autonomy, competence and relatedness. Remember, it's not about choosing one theory over another but finding ways to integrate different perspectives to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the complex phenomena you're investigating. Best of luck with your research!

Question 10

What impact has technology had on our sense of belonging and how we connect with others?

Kelly-Ann Allen · Accepted Answer

On the positive side, technology has the potential to bridge gaps of geography and time, allowing us to maintain relationships that might otherwise have faded due to distance or busy schedules. It has enabled people who might struggle to find their "tribe" in their immediate physical community – due to unique interests, identities or circumstances – to find connection and a sense of belonging online. Various platforms enable us to share our experiences, seek support, collaborate and learn from others across the globe. Particularly during challenging times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, technology is instrumental in keeping us connected, facilitating remote work and learning and providing outlets for entertainment and socialization while physically apart. However, there is another side to the story. While technology can bring us closer, it can also paradoxically create feelings of disconnection and isolation. The quality of our online interactions may not always feel as satisfying or meaningful as face-to-face connections. Online spaces can also become grounds for exclusion, cyberbullying and other harms that may damage our sense of belonging. Additionally, with our lives increasingly intertwined with technology, we face the risk of being overly connected, always on, which can result in stress and a loss of focus on the immediate world around us. It's important to balance how we use technology, ensuring it supplements rather than replaces our offline relationships. It can be helpful for those who are shy or experience social anxiety, but not everyone has equal access to technology, so that can create some disparities around belonging. Ultimately, it's neither wholly good nor bad but a tool that can foster or hinder belonging, depending on how it's used, how often, for what purpose and by whom.

Question 11

Why do people reject others?

Kelly-Ann Allen · Accepted Answer

From a psychological perspective, the act of rejecting others can stem from a variety of factors. The work of Amanda Harrist and other researchers in the field provides significant insight into this topic. One crucial reason why people reject others is due to perceived differences. These differences can be based on factors such as race, religion, social status, appearance, or behavior. Differences can challenge people's beliefs and values, creating discomfort and sometimes fear. This fear can lead to rejection. Additionally, our need for social conformity, as outlined in Harrist's work, is a significant factor. We have an innate desire to fit into our social groups that often involves adhering to specific norms and standards. If someone behaves or appears in ways that deviate from these accepted norms, they may be rejected by the group. This is particularly evident during childhood and adolescence, where peer conformity tends to be highly valued. In other instances, rejection can be an act of self-protection. If someone perceives another person as a threat – whether physically, emotionally, or otherwise – they may reject that person to protect themselves. The reasons behind rejection are complex and multifaceted. It is often not about the person rejected but more about the rejecter's perceptions, experiences and emotional state.

The Psychology of Belonging