Understanding the Psychological Principle on Belongingness, Essay Example

Every human individual deserves to feel the ideal matter of belongingness. Close to the thought that dictates that “no one is an island”, every human individual is identified to have the need to know where he or she belongs to or that he/she is accepted by others. This need is an essential factor that must be given attention to especially in the process of becoming more refined and defining their personalities in relative to others. I have specifically realized the truth behind this idea when I was forced to go to a remote area where the language of the community is different. I have been asked to go to the area to perform a research that would allow me to see through the life of the said community. To be able to complete my research, I had to observe all the different cultures and ways of living present in the area. The experience at first presented a more defined satisfaction for me. However, it was not for long that it became daunting for me as I did not have anyone I could talk to, nor did I have anyone I could relate with. At this point, I specifically recognized the need to be connected with someone. I wanted to be relatively able to at least share my thoughts with someone. At the point of not being able to do so, I specifically realized the lack of satisfaction on my part. Depression loomed over my head and I specifically realized the situations of other human individuals who are sick and are not being visited by anyone or at some point are even placed in quarantine due to their health case. If I was having a hard time dealing with the problem, I could just imagine the hardship they are experiencing. These individuals need more than just the feeling of being able to belong. They need to specifically experience the idea of having someone actually care for them for the sake of faster recovery.

At this point, the principle of belongingness could evidently be related to the capability of one to survive and cope with the challenges that one has to face. Notably, people who know they have someone beside them or some people who believe in them have a better experience of being empowered and strengthened to survive their challenges as they come. Most notably, the indication of satisfying this need allows human individuals to become more patient with their situation and thus is able to endure the tests of life as they come along. True, at this point, it could be understood that learning from the personal experience that has been narrated, the essence of belongingness does improve the capability and the willingness of one to survive and remain strong in the face of trials. The support of one towards another is an essential factor that is described to have an indicative effect on what a person becomes or how a person strives to become the best of what he could become.

Being a fundamental psychological motivation, being able to belong to someone or a social group allows one to become able to define himself well giving an ideal form of self-presentation that satisfies one and the people around him making it easier for him to radiate a better personal character. One’s satisfaction then is defined through this experiential example does not only depend on his capability to survive as a person, but as a part of a community that recognizes his being. For those who are experiencing struggles and challenges at present, it is specifically essential that they be given the time and the attention to assist them cope up with their transgressions. It is amazing how simply being available for them could help them survive the challenges they are facing. At this point, the real worth of belongingness could be assumed to have a great impact on how one sees himself and survives the tests of life alongside others.

References

Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117, 497-529.

Friedman, H. S., Schustack, M. W. (1992), Personality: Classic theories and modern research. United States of America: Pearson.

Kune, N. (2011). The need to belong: rediscovering Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Paul H. Brookes Publishers.