School Belonging in Adolescents

Abstract

The literature clearly indicates that having a sense of belonging is good for people. The most compelling of this research demonstrates marked benefits both during school years and throughout life. Belonging has been related to higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction and less distress and mental illness; healthier behaviours, and better physical health, social relationships, and educational and occupational outcomes. In this chapter, we define belonging and review predominant theories from psychology and sociology that are relevant to a sense of belonging. We consider the psychological and physical health benefits. And from a developmental lens, we consider why belonging is particularly important for adolescent development. Mike did not fit anywhere. The abandoned son of a heroin addict, he was in and out of foster homes from an early age. As he spent time in various homes, he felt envious of children he saw who had a stable family and a place to call home. As he entered school, other kids made fun of him. He dressed the wrong way, spoke inarticulately, and could not break through the various cliques. He increasingly skipped class to avoid the judging gazes and the harsh taunts of classmates. He started smoking and drinking as a young teenager as a way to cope with the sense of loneliness that consumed him. He dropped out of school by the age of 13 and took to the streets. That's when he ran into the local gang. The leader saw a look of desperation in the young boy's eyes, and invited him in. Mike found a group of haphazard youth with similar stories to that of his own. After proving himself in a hazing ritual, he became a core part of the gang, running amuck on the streets of the city. For the first time in his life, he belonged.