Can a sense of belonging increase life satisfaction? Why do we sometimes feel lonely? How can we sustain lasting human connections?

The Psychology of Belonging explores why feeling like we belong is so important throughout our lives, from childhood to old age, irrespective of culture, race or geography. With its virtues and shortcomings, belonging to groups such as families, social groups, schools, workplaces and communities is fundamental to our identity and wellbeing, even in a time when technology has changed the way we connect with each other.

In a world where loneliness and social isolation is on the rise, The Psychology of Belonging shows how meaningful connections can build a sense of belonging for all of us.

Kelly-Ann Allen is an internationally recognised belonging researcher and psychologist at Monash University and the University of Melbourne. She is a codirector and founder of the International Belonging Research Laboratory.

1. The beginnings of belonging 2. Belonging begins at birth 3. Belonging in adulthood 4. Rejection 5. Belonging in an age of technology 6. Belonging bad 7. Building belonging References