Unpacking Student Belonging

In the first blog , I delved into the reasons behind the crisis of belonging in Higher Education. An insightful comment from a reader highlighted that the belonging crisis, deeply intertwined with mental health, extends beyond education and has become a pervasive issue in society. This truth is evident from the continuous news coverage on the topic recently.

As of 2021, the National Institute of Mental Health reported that approximately 22% of US adults grappled with various forms of mental illness. Given the ongoing challenges, it's plausible that this issue has intensified over the past two years.

Given that this is a systemic concern, can Higher Education play a role in addressing it? And if they do, can they genuinely make a difference in this problem?

The succinct answer is yes. This isn't just a matter of morality; it's also pivotal for students' academic achievements and the overall success of our educational institutions.

Unpacking the Concept of Belonging:

The idea that people naturally seek and sustain interpersonal connections is well-established. The phrase "No [person] is an island," attributed to John Donne, underscores this universal need. Additionally, Maslow's hierarchy places "love and belongingness needs" as fundamental once basic requirements are met. These needs precede self-esteem and self-actualization in the hierarchy.

In their foundational work, "The Need to Belong: Desire for Interpersonal Attachments as a Fundamental Human Motivation," Roy F. Baumeister and Mark R. Leary identified two key elements of belonging. First, regular personal interactions are essential, with positivity and absence of conflict playing pivotal roles. Second, the perception of stable, emotionally connected bonds that extend into the future is crucial for fulfilling this need.

Belonging in the Context of Education:

Within educational institutions, an individual's sense of belonging hinges on interconnected factors. These factors likely encompass social connections, competence in their chosen field, belief in their potential professional success, and confidence in the tools and support available for fostering a sense of belonging.

Beyond its established impact on educational persistence and achievement, belonging is particularly significant for marginalized groups like first-generation students and women. It molds their academic choices and performance. Therefore, measuring belonging and understanding how to nurture it in educational settings committed to equity is essential.

A Case Study:

Over the past five years, we've partnered with institutions to understand student behavior through supportive learning communities that foster belonging. An example is a study conducted by our partner , Online Education Services, in 2021. By using Yellowdig to launch communities, students connected and built a sense of belonging. Surprisingly, students showed authenticity and vulnerability, discussing challenges such as being online students while juggling full-time jobs and family responsibilities.

Tangible Benefits of Belonging:

The most remarkable finding was the tangible benefits of enhancing belonging. On average, pass rates increased by 9%, and 7% more students progressed to their next study period. Notably, the improvements were most significant among at-risk students.

For institutions facing significant losses due to student dropout, a 7% increase can justify the investment. Moreover, interactions were primarily student-driven, requiring minimal administrative intervention.

Conclusion:

How can education step up to address this responsibility? The bottleneck isn't usually cost or capability; it's often a lack of awareness about the growing issue and potential solutions. At Yellowdig, we're fortunate to contribute to raising awareness and enhancing education.

This issue isn't limited to young students. Belonging and mental health struggles can affect individuals undergoing life transformations, whether in higher school, undergraduate, or graduate studies.

Educational institutions are pivotal in forming societal relationships for young adults and providing a platform for like-minded individuals seeking higher education. While education's primary purpose is knowledge delivery, neglecting the social aspect could marginalize students who don't feel they belong. Institutions must take a proactive stance to ensure the well-being and success of every student.

Yellowdig . Editing credit Brian Verdine, Ph.D.