The fundamental need to belong: on the distinction between growth and deficit-reduction orientations

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. © 2011 by the society for personality and social psychology,inc.