Role of Belonging and Social Interest in Human Well-Being

Belonging and self-interest
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Belonging and self-interest
Belonging and social interest are critical elements of human well-being, with the former frequently serving as a basis for the latter. Belonging is an emotional state associated with acceptance, security, and comfort. Equally, social interest refers to an individual's connection to the broader community, often related to cooperative and prosocial behavior (Adler Graduate School, 2021). These two states are typically viewed as two sides of the same coin, with an individual's sense of belonging often inciting their desire to contribute to the greater good. Belonging is an intensely personal sensation experienced in a variety of ways. It can manifest as a shared enthusiasm for a hobby or a collective goal among a group. It can be discovered in familial relationships or extended social networks that uphold similar ideologies.
Moreover, belonging is perceived as a fundamental requirement for self-worth and likened to a basic human necessity, such as food, shelter, and security. It can positively influence mental health, providing feelings of acceptance, stability, ...