Exploring the Psyche of Creating a Sense of Belonging and Comfort, often Referred to as the Concept of 'Home'

Delving into the Psychological Aspects of Creating a Feeling of Belonging

In the realm of human psychology, the need for love and belongingness is a topic that has been extensively discussed. This fundamental human requirement, according to numerous studies, is deeply rooted in our evolutionary past.

As we delve into the origins of this need, we can trace it back to the work of Baumeister & Leary (1995), who proposed that our craving for a sense of belonging has roots in evolution. This theory, however, does not explicitly name the researchers who first made this claim in 1995. Nevertheless, the concept of evolutionary bases of social cohesion and belonging has been explored by various researchers, such as Searle, De Waal, Atran, and Henrich.

Establishing social bonds was crucial for our ancestors' reproduction and survival. This need for connection persists today, shaping our interactions and influencing our emotional and physical well-being just as significantly as our basic physiological needs for food, water, shelter, and rest at the base of Maslow's pyramid.

As we ascend Maslow's pyramid, human needs take on a psychological component, including the need for security and safety. Beyond these, the need for love and belongingness emerges as a critical component of human psychology, as identified by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

Forming emotional connections to places is part of human nature. Home, whether a physical space, a community, or a collection of familiar experiences, can be associated with conversations with loved ones, friends, or memories of vacations. This connection, known as place attachment, is positively associated with quality of life, life satisfaction, and various other dimensions of well-being.

A 2017 study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, titled "The Experienced Psychological Benefits of Place Attachment," focuses on the benefits of place attachment. Instilling a sense of belonging and understanding what it means to feel at home can contribute to a positive well-being and foster overall happiness.

In the modern world, the connection between place attachment and well-being has been more commonly investigated at the neighborhood, community, and city scales. The connection between our emotional ties to a place and our overall well-being is undeniable, emphasizing the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in our communities and homes.