Sense of belonging as connectedness, American Indian worldview, and mental health

Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2006 Oct;20(5):210-6. doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2006.04.003.

Abstract

The concept of sense of belonging as connectedness is an abstract dimension of relatedness. Gaining an understanding of this concept within a cultural worldview has the potential to positively impact the mental health of ethnic minority populations. Sense of belonging as connectedness portrays the dynamic nature of human existence. The role of sense of belonging to interpersonal relationships and the well-being of individuals, family, and community is emphasized through the worldview of the American Indian population. It is a dynamic phenomenon of social significance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Attitude to Health / ethnology*
  • Cultural Characteristics
  • Family / ethnology
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Holistic Health*
  • Humanism
  • Humans
  • Identification, Psychological
  • Indians, North American / ethnology*
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Loneliness / psychology
  • Mental Health*
  • Minority Groups / psychology
  • Models, Psychological*
  • Motivation
  • Psychological Distance
  • Self Concept*
  • Social Behavior
  • Social Identification*
  • Social Values / ethnology
  • Spirituality
  • United States