Belonging

What makes people feel like they truly belong? Analyzing data from 22 countries, this study finds that age, work, and faith shape belonging—but not always in the same way. In Japan, belonging rises after age 50, while in India it declines. We also found that childhood experiences—like strong parental bonds, good health, or trauma—shape how socially connected we feel as adults. These results highlight belonging as a lifelong construct shaped by early life experiences and adult contexts, with important cross-cultural implications for research and policy.