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Sense of Belonging

The science of belonging and human connection.

Education
Measuring School Belonging

Kelly-Ann Allen Ph.D. on July 4, 2023

More schools are measuring belonging. Interpretation of school belonging results should acknowledge individuality and needs.

More schools are measuring belonging. Interpretation of school belonging results should acknowledge individuality and needs.

Friends
What Does Food Have to Do With Belonging and Schools?

Kelly-Ann Allen Ph.D. on March 23, 2022

The relationship between food and belonging is complex, leading us to ask whether it is the rituals and traditions that surround food rather than the food itself that are important.

The relationship between food and belonging is complex, leading us to ask whether it is the rituals and traditions that surround food rather than the food itself that are important.

Health
A Deep Dive Into the Benefits of School Belonging

Kelly-Ann Allen Ph.D. on February 9, 2022

Every educator knows that a sense of belonging is important, but the true extent of the benefits can be hard to capture. Here's a look at some of them.

Every educator knows that a sense of belonging is important, but the true extent of the benefits can be hard to capture. Here's a look at some of them.

Coronavirus Disease 2019
Your Sense of Belonging in Modern Times

Kelly-Ann Allen Ph.D. on January 15, 2022

Has COVID-19 challenged how you feel about your sense of belonging? Can you see it's impact in your workplace, school or community? Here are four considerations that will help.

Has COVID-19 challenged how you feel about your sense of belonging? Can you see it's impact in your workplace, school or community? Here are four considerations that will help.

Five year old Florence opens with our acknowledgement to country
Relationships
Boosting School Belonging

Kelly-Ann Allen Ph.D. on November 7, 2019

With rising rates of youth mental illness, disconnection, and social isolation, strategies are needed that can help stem the tide.

With rising rates of youth mental illness, disconnection, and social isolation, strategies are needed that can help stem the tide.

Anxiety
The Truth Behind School Refusal

Kelly-Ann Allen Ph.D. on September 25, 2019

As many as 5 percent of students experience school refusal—and the rate is much higher for students with psychological conditions like anxiety.

As many as 5 percent of students experience school refusal—and the rate is much higher for students with psychological conditions like anxiety.

Belonging is an important need across our lifespan
Relationships
The Importance of Belonging Across Life

Kelly-Ann Allen Ph.D. on June 20, 2019

The innate need to seek out meaningful social connections and bonds with others is an enduring and persistent human characteristic throughout life.

The innate need to seek out meaningful social connections and bonds with others is an enduring and persistent human characteristic throughout life.