Belongingness

/bɪˈlɒŋ.ɪŋ.nəs/ noun

Definition

A fundamental human need to feel accepted, included, and valued as a member of a social group.

Etymology

From Middle English 'belongen' (to go along with) + '-ness.' Central to Maslow's hierarchy and Baumeister's belongingness hypothesis.

Kelly Says

Belongingness is the deep human need to feel like you're part of something — we're social creatures, and feeling excluded literally hurts.

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