Which term describes the innate desire to be with others?

• A. Belongingness
• B. Emotion
• C. Prejudice
• D. Discrimination

Answer: (A)

The innate desire to be with others is the need to belong. Humans are social beings, and this drive motivates us to form, maintain, and seek out meaningful relationships—like friendships, family ties, and group memberships. Belongingness explains why being accepted and included by others feels so rewarding and why we go to social lengths to connect with people. This is distinct from emotion, which is a temporary feeling state, and from prejudice or discrimination, which are attitudes or actions toward others based on group membership rather than the fundamental drive to be part of a social group. When belongingness is satisfied, we tend to feel secure and satisfied; when it’s unmet, loneliness and distress often push us to reestablish social connections.