The pillar of belonging (DW#985)
Oct 22, 2021
The first pillar is of a meaningful life according to Emily Esfahani Smith is belonging.
Psychologists explain that humans have a fundamental motivation to be accepted into relationships with others and to be a part of social groups. The fact that belongingness is a need means that human beings must establish and maintain a minimum quantity of enduring relationships in order to survive.
The need to belong, explain experts, is the need to give and receive attention to and from others. Belonging is more than simply being acquainted with other people. It is centered on gaining acceptance, attention, and support from members of the group as well as providing the same attention to other members. Smith says that the need for belonging is satisfied and adds meaning to your life where you are valued for who you are intrinsically and where you value others as well.
And a lack of a sense of belonging, can have significant impact on human beings.
Back in 1945, the psychoanalyst René Spitz found that mortality rates in orphanages were unusually high because, ironically, children were often deprived of human contact in order to prevent the spread of germs and diseases. Through his research into the matter, Spitz was the first to identify that a lack of belonging can result in death.
Current research also confirms that a lack of a sense of belonging is a risk factor for a host of mental and behavioural issues.
Back in 1945, the psychoanalyst René Spitz found that mortality rates in orphanages were unusually high because, ironically, children were often deprived of human contact in order to prevent the spread of germs and diseases. Through his research into the matter, Spitz was the first to identify that a lack of belonging can result in death.
Current research also confirms that a lack of a sense of belonging is a risk factor for a host of mental and behavioural issues.
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