<P> In all cultures, the need to belong is prevalent . Although there are individual differences in the intensity and strength of how people express and satisfy the need, it is almost impossible for culture to eradicate the need to belong . Collectivist countries are also more likely to conform and comply with the majority group than members in individualistic societies . Conformity is so important in collectivist societies that nonconformity can represent deviance in East Asian cultures, yet represent uniqueness in Western cultures . Even early civilizations considered both exile and death as equal punishments . Individuals in other countries strive to belong so much that being exiled or shunned from their society is the biggest dishonor . </P> <P> Stigmas can create a global uncertainty about the quality of an individual's social bonds in academically and professional areas . Walton and Cohen conducted two experiments that tested how belonging uncertainty undermines the achievement and motivation of people whose racial group is negatively characterized in academic settings . The first experiment had students believe that they might have a few friends in a field of study . White students were unaffected by this however, black students who were stigmatized academically displayed a drop in potential and sense of belonging . This response of minority students happens because they are aware that they are underrepresented and stigmatized therefore they perceive their worlds differently . Their second experiment was set up as an intervention that was designed to de-racialize the meaning of hardship in college by focusing hardships and doubts as a commonality among 1st year students rather than due to race . What their findings suggest is that majority students may benefit from an assumed sense of social belonging . </P> <P> Belongingness, also referred to as connectedness, has been established as a strong risk / protective factor for depressive symptoms . There is growing evidence that the interpersonal factor of belongingness is strongly associated with depressive symptoms . The impression of low relational value is consciously experienced as reduced self - esteem . Reduced self - esteem is a fundamental element of depressive symptoms . According to these views, belongingness perceptions have a direct effect upon depressive symptoms due to innate neurological mechanisms . A number of studies have confirmed a strong link between belongingness and depressive symptoms using the Sense of Belonging Instrument - Psychological measurement . This measurement scale contains 14 items that invoke the social world--for example, "I don't feel there is any place I really fit in this world ." The SOBI - P is intended to measure a general sense of belonging . </P> <P> Group membership has been found to have both negative and positive associations with behavior problems . Gender differences have been consistently observed in terms of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems . Girls reported more internalizing behaviors such as depression, and boys reporting more externalizing problems . However, by providing a sense of security and peer acceptance, group membership may reduce the tendency to develop internalizing problems such as depression or anxiety . A lack of group membership is associated with behavior problems and puts adolescents at a greater risk for both externalizing and internalizing problems However, the need to belong may sometimes result in individuals conforming to delinquent peer groups and engaging in morally questionable activities, such as lying or cheating . </P>

Which of the following are evidence that we have the need to belong