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Thesis – Why Belonging Matters

jones57r — 2025-07-06 03:53:59 UTC

The struggle to find community in college is a growing issue tied to identity, mental health, and institutional support; without a sense of belonging, students often face social isolation and academic challenges, but with intentional practices, colleges can help students feel seen, supported, and connected.

Feeling Defensive When Alone

jones57r — 2025-07-09 04:10:24 UTC

“It's like when we feel alone and disconnected, we're on the defensive. And that creates a whole host of problems” (Cohen 13).

Identity Suppression

jones57r — 2025-07-09 04:12:04 UTC

“Students often feel pressure to suppress parts of themselves in order to fit in with dominant social norms” (De Witte, par. 5).

Mental Health and Isolation

jones57r — 2025-07-09 04:13:33 UTC

“In its Spring 2024 assessment of more than 100,000 college students, the American College Health Association found that nearly half reported moderate to high levels of loneliness” (Bono, par. 2).

Belonging Improves Over Time

jones57r — 2025-07-09 04:14:26 UTC

“What we’re doing here is offering students the idea that it’s normal to worry at first about whether you belong, and it can get better with time” (De Witte, par. 11).

Post Pandemic Isolation

jones57r — 2025-07-09 04:18:52 UTC

“The widespread adoption of virtual instruction since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has created new barriers to connecting and increased students’ screen time, which is associated with depression, anxiety, and stress” (Romeo, par. 2).

Connection

jones57r — 2025-07-09 04:20:55 UTC

Both show how identity suppression harms belonging

Connection

jones57r — 2025-07-09 04:22:08 UTC

All show how loneliness and mental health relate to belonging.

Finding a Niche

jones57r — 2025-07-09 04:23:31 UTC

“I found a comfort zone by exploring my interests and taking the leap into an active life on campus. But this took time and before I found my niche here there were times when I felt quite lonely” (De Witte, par. 10).

How Institutions Can Foster Belonging

jones57r — 2025-07-09 04:23:34 UTC

“Creating inclusive spaces requires more than orientation events—it involves ongoing, structural commitment to equity and engagement” (Bono, Psychology Today).

Connection

jones57r — 2025-07-09 04:24:17 UTC

Show that both structure and time are needed for students to truly feel included.