Encouraging Campus Unity and a Feeling of Togetherness through Group Engagement
Revamped Article:
Riding the Waves of Collective Energy: Unlocking Student Belonging & Wellbeing
Hanging onto student retention has always been a challenge, but a 2024 report by Inside Higher Ed shines a spotlight on what might just be the secret sauce: a sense of belonging. For students, it's not just about fitting in – it's about_feeling_like they belong. In the same year, a report on Forbes.com backed this up, suggesting that a community vibe was the golden ticket to student health and happiness. Naturally, colleges and universities are diving headfirst into finding ways to create these vibes on campus.
Building a community ain't always easy peasy. Diversity, equity, and inclusion bans have been known to trip up public schools, preventing them from connecting with specific student communities, and even restricting mental health professionals. Add to that the sheer size of some campuses, and community-building starts to feel like shaking hands with an octopus.
But don't fret just yet! According to Dr. Shira Gabriel, a psychology professor at The State University of New York at Buffalo and the past-president of the Midwestern Psychological Association, the key to cracking open that sense of belonging lies in the elusive force called collective effervescence. Coined by Émile Durkheim, this bad boy refers to the euphoric, sacred vibes that course through a crowd when shared emotions and connections come together during group activities. Now that's a party!
Why Collective Effervescence Matters
Gabriel breaks it down: "Collective effervescence is like a warm comfy blanket. It gives us a sense of connection to others, reminding us that we're part of the damn tapestry of life. And it's not like those fluffy feelings with family and friends – it's a primal, aching need that rumbles deep inside us."
So, what's the deal with collective effervescence giving you the feels? Well, Gabriel and her team did some groundbreaking research on the matter. They found that collective effervescence leads to two key things: a sense of connection and a feeling that something magical is happening. It's a rush of emotions, a sense that we're part of something greater than ourselves, and it's a freakin' essential part of human life.
Mental Health Matters, Too
In 2020, Gabriel published a mind-blowing article in the Journal of Positive Psychology, arguing that collective experiences pack a powerful punch in terms of mental wellness. Pretty cool, huh? By participating in these collective moments, we experience an increase in life satisfaction and positive emotions, even without a shared relational history.
But it doesn't stop there, folks. According to Gabriel, a major collective effervescence experience can boost wellbeing for up to six stinkin' months! And if that's not enough, a 2025 report by The New York Times says there's a strong link between having connections with others and feeling happy. So, yep, looks like we got us a recipe for mental health and happiness in the bag!
So, How the Heck Do We Fuel Collective Effervescence in Higher Education?
Now that we know of collective effervescence's magic touch, let's get down to brass tacks: how can colleges and universities make it rain collective vibes for their students?
According to Gabriel, there's no need to break the bank here. "You ain't gotta be friends before the party starts," she says. "Sometimes, it's the smallest, simplest things that get the job done. Heck, standing in line for a coffee or a chat before class even works wonders!"
Here's a list of some ways schools can create these energy-filled, shared experiences:
- Community Events: From campus-wide concerts and festivals to sports games – all are great opportunities for students to come together and make memories.
- Inclusive Spaces: Encourage the creation of cozy, welcoming spaces where students can mingle and bond.
- Shared Goals: Organize volunteer projects and interdisciplinary projects that require collaboration across departments, fostering a sense of unity and accomplishment.
- Student-Led Initiatives: Give students the power to lead the charge and create events that strengthen community bonds.
- Rituals and Traditions: Get students hype about new student orientation, annual traditions, and campus events to give them a sense of belonging and connection.
By implementing these strategies, colleges and universities can create a nurturing environment that fosters collective effervescence and, in turn, leads to a stronger sense of belonging, increased mental health, and happier, more satisfied students. That's a win-win-win situation if ever there was one!
- The elusive force of collective effervescence, found to significantly influence the sense of belonging among college students, can be harnessed through community events, inclusive spaces, and student-led initiatives on college campuses.
- Promoting mental health and wellness among college students is not only about addressing mental health issues but also about generating a sense of belonging through shared goals, volunteer projects, and rituals and traditions.
- In the realm of education and self-development, weaving mental health and health-and-wellness initiatives into the lifestyle of college campuses can create a synergistic effect, where collective experiences and a strong sense of community work together to enhance the overall wellbeing of students.
