Synonyms
Definition
The human requirement for a number of long-term, positive relationships with other people that involve mutual affection.
Introduction
The need to belong (NTB) is the biological human need for relationships with other people (Baumeister and Leary 1995). Social connections can include friends, romantic partners, and family members. There are two components to this need: First, interactions with relational partners must be frequent and at least somewhat positive. Second, the individual must perceive that there is mutual affection in a given relationship and that it will continue for the foreseeable future. People’s NTB can be satiated, meaning that the quantity and quality of their interpersonal connections are satisfying, reducing their motivation to seek out new relational partners.
NTB is an individual difference variable whereby some individuals have a stronger NTB than others. Those with a high NTB will need more...
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References
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Sotola, L.K., Kelly, K.M. (2017). Need to Belong (Baumeister & Leary). In: Zeigler-Hill, V., Shackelford, T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_824-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_824-1
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