title: The fundamental need to belong: on the distinction between growth and deficit-reduction orientations.
abstract: The need for belongingness (the universal need to form and maintain positive, stable interpersonal relationships) has led to much research over the past decade. Although such a need is universal, some qualitative differences exist in its orientation. Specifically, two belongingness need orientations are proposed: a growth orientation (a belongingness need directed toward interpersonal actualization) and a deficit-reduction orientation (a belongingness need directed toward interpersonal deficit reduction or repair). It is hypothesized that a deficit-reduction orientation to the need to belong is associated with lower levels of intrapersonal and interpersonal psychological functioning compared to a growth orientation. The results of a series of four studies supported the proposed hypotheses. Implications of the proposed model for future research on the need to belong are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire de Recherche sur le ComportementSocial, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada. lavigne.genevieve.3@courrier.uqam.ca
authors.forename: Geneviève L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Lavigne
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Vallerand
authors.forename: Laurence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Crevier-Braud
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009949:Orientation; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010551:Personality; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012649:Self Concept; D012933:Social Identification; D055815:Young Adult