Perceptions of Sense of Belonging and Academic Success in Healthcare Students
This study examines how graduate healthcare students’ sense of belonging influences perceived academic success, identifying belonging as a factor linked to persistence and lower burnout.
Presented by:
Jenise Morrison, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Hear it from the author:
Transcript:
Key Words:
Belonging, Academic Success, Graduate Students
Abstract:
This study examined the relationship between sense of belonging and perceived academic success among graduate healthcare students. A national survey of 101 participants across PT, OT, PA, Nursing, and medical programs assessed demographics, satisfaction, and Sense of Belonging Scale–Revised scores. Results showed mild positive correlations between academic success and both classroom comfort and faculty support, with strong associations among stress management, personal well‑being, and study strategies. Outside support and peer relationships were the most frequently reported positive influences. Findings suggest that supportive academic environments enhance belonging and perceived success. Future research should expand sample size and refine operational definitions.
Outcomes:
1. Describe the relationship between sense of belonging and perceived academic success among graduate healthcare students.
2. Identify factors that strongly contribute to graduate students’ sense of belonging.
3. Recognize implications for improving student support within healthcare programs.
References:
Allen, K. A., Kern, M. L., Rozek, C. S., McInerney, D., & Slavich, G. M. (2021). Belonging: A review of conceptual issues, an integrative framework, and directions for future research. Australian Journal of Psychology, 73(1), 87–102. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049530.2021.1883409
Burger, K. (2022). Disentangling the interplay of the sense of belonging and institutional channels in individuals’ educational trajectories. Developmental Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0001448
Dopmeijer, J. M., Schutgens, C. A. E., Kappe, F. R., et al. (2022). The role of performance pressure, loneliness and sense of belonging in predicting burnout symptoms in students in higher education. PLOS ONE, 17(12), e0267175. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0267175
Izaguirre, L. A., Rodríguez-Fernández, A., & Fernández-Zabala, A. (2023). Perceived academic performance explained by school climate, positive psychological variables and life satisfaction. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 93(1), 318–332. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjep.12557
Leep Hunderfund, A. N., Saberzadeh Ardestani, B., Laughlin-Tommaso, S. K., et al. (2025). Sense of belonging among medical students, residents, and fellows: Associations with burnout, recruitment retention, and learning environment. Academic Medicine, 100(2), 191–202. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000005892
Morrow, J., Hoffman, M., Richmond, J., & Salomone, K. (2002–2003). Revised Sense of Belonging Scale: Investigating “sense of belonging” in first-year college students. Journal of College Student Retention, 4(3), 227–256.
Morrison, J., Dykes‑Rangel, A., Galbraith, K., Ortiz, A., & Scott, M. (2024, November). Doctor of Physical Therapy students’ perception of sense of belonging and academic success [Conference presentation]. 2024 DPT Research Symposium, University of Mary Hardin–Baylor, Belton, TX.