Understanding the Importance of Belongingness Among Youth

Understanding the Importance of Belongingness Among Youth

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will be able to understand the significance of belongingness among young people and its impact on their mental health.

What do you already know about the impact of belongingness on adolescent mental health?

Introduction to Belongingness

Belongingness plays a crucial role in the mental well-being of young individuals. It involves the sense of connection, acceptance, and inclusion within their social environment.

Research Study 1

"Belongingness and Social Support: Exploring Their Links with Adolescent Mental Health in a Multicultural Community" by Michelle K. Demaray and colleagues

Research Study 2

"School belongingness and mental health functioning across the primary-secondary transition in a mainstream sample: multi-group cross-lagged analyses" by Lisa Mundy and colleagues

Research Study 3

"The Role of Sense of Community and Group Belonging in the Link Between Social Identity and Well-Being" by Catherine Amiot and colleagues

Research Study 4

"Social Identity and the Transition to High School: The Role of Peer Groups in Social Belonging" by Andrew J. Fuligni and colleagues

Interactive Discussion

Engage in a group discussion about personal experiences related to belongingness and its impact on mental well-being.

Key Takeaways

Summarize the key findings from the research studies and discuss the implications of fostering a strong sense of belongingness among youth.

Further Exploration

Encourage further exploration of the topic by reviewing additional research studies and resources available on the importance of belongingness among youth.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.