FEAR OF EXCLUSION AND THE INVISIBLE CHAINS OF SOCIAL BONDS: A SURVEY STUDY
Sr No:
Page No:
42-49
Language:
English
Authors:
Gulay Gumus*
Received:
2025-08-25
Accepted:
2025-09-14
Published Date:
2025-09-18
Abstract:
The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between individuals’ fear of exclusion and the strength of their social
bonds. Social exclusion is a critical phenomenon with significant implications for psychological well-being and social adjustment. A
survey was administered to a sample of 342 participants from different regions of Turkey with diverse age and educational
backgrounds, assessing fear of exclusion, social connectedness, perceived social exclusion, and sense of belonging. The results
revealed that individuals with high levels of fear of exclusion reported significantly lower levels of social connectedness (p < .05).
Conversely, strong social support mechanisms from family, friends, and institutions were found to be associated with reduced fear of
exclusion. Furthermore, high fear of exclusion was related to a greater tendency to conform to social norms. These findings suggest
that strong social bonds function as a protective factor mitigating fear of exclusion and its adverse psychological outcomes.
Keywords:
fear of exclusion, social bonds, social exclusion, belonging, social connectedness.