Sense of Belonging: Measure Construction and Validation

• In Event: Pathways to STEM Identity Development for Youth Underrepresented in STEM

Abstract

Sense of belonging contributes to students’ academic success (Anderman, 2003; Goodenow, 1993; Strayhorn, 2012), particularly for underrepresented students (Hurtado & Carter, 1997). The objective of this paper is to address the discrepancies in defining sense of belonging to provide a more consistent and instrumental definition, and to use this framework for sense of belonging scale construction and validation for adolescent students. We define sense of belonging to be the individual’s perception that they are valued and appreciated in their environment, where they perceive having shared characteristics with others, and are motivated to interact with others to form bonds and close emotional distance.

Authors

• Tai Tri Do, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Carlos Chavez, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Michael C. Rodriguez, University of Minnesota

• Rik Lamm, University of Minnesota

• Michael Dosedel, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities