Kuuluvustunne

Kuuluvustunne, or sense of belonging, is the subjective perception of being part of a group or community. It encompasses feeling accepted, valued, and connected by shared identities, norms, or activities, and it can arise in families, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and online communities.

In psychology and sociology, kuuluvustunne is described as a fundamental human motivation. The belongingness hypothesis, associated with researchers such as Baumeister and Leary, suggests that people have an intrinsic need to form and maintain close, positive relationships, and that satisfying this need supports well-being and functioning.

Researchers assess kuuluvustunne primarily through self-report measures, asking individuals about their perceived inclusion, acceptance, and participation in a group. Factors that influence it include social support, inclusive practices, opportunities for meaningful participation, perceived fairness, and absence of discrimination. Online environments can also shape a person’s sense of belonging, for better or worse.

The sense of belonging is linked to a range of outcomes. Higher kuuluvustunne is associated with better mental health, greater life satisfaction, increased motivation, academic achievement, and job satisfaction. Conversely, low belonging correlates with loneliness, isolation, depression, and disengagement.

Practices to foster kuuluvustunne include creating inclusive policies, encouraging mentorship and peer support, providing avenues for meaningful participation, promoting respectful communication, and building shared activities and norms that acknowledge diversity while strengthening group cohesion.