an overview
The term “Connectedness” refers to the degree to which you involve others in various aspects of your life and how much you value social interactions and relationships.
It’s about more than just the number of social connections you have; it’s about the quality of those connections and the extent to which you integrate social aspects into your life.
Connectedness is closely associated with the concept of relatedness, a fundamental psychological need as identified in Self-Determination Theory. Relatedness refers to the need to form meaningful and satisfying relationships with others, to feel a sense of belonging and emotional connection.
Understanding your level of connectedness and relatedness can provide valuable insights into your social behavior and preferences. It can guide you in nurturing your relationships, improving your social skills, and finding the right balance between independence and social engagement. Whether you score high or low in connectedness, remember that it’s not about good or bad, but about understanding your unique social needs and preferences and how they shape your life.
From relatedness to connectedness
understanding relatedness
Relatedness, a term deeply rooted in the field of psychology, refers to the innate human need to form meaningful and satisfying relationships with others. This concept is a cornerstone of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), a psychological framework developed in the 1970s by psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan. SDT posits that relatedness, along with autonomy and competence, is one of the three fundamental psychological needs that drive human motivation and well-being.
Relatedness is about more than just being socially connected; it’s about feeling understood, cared for, and valued by others. It’s about the quality of our relationships, not just the quantity. When our need for relatedness is satisfied, we feel a greater sense of belonging and security, leading to increased motivation, engagement, and psychological well-being.
the science of relatedness
The importance of relatedness has been demonstrated in numerous psychological studies. Research has shown that when individuals feel a sense of relatedness, they are more likely to experience positive emotions, show greater resilience in the face of challenges, and even have better physical health.
Relatedness is also a key factor in many therapeutic approaches. For example, in attachment theory, the quality of early relationships with caregivers is seen as crucial for psychological development. In group therapy, the sense of relatedness among group members can be a powerful force for change.
from relatedness to connectedness
While relatedness focuses on the emotional bonds and relationships we form with others, Connectedness can be seen as a broader concept that encompasses not only our relationships but also our potential for connection. Connectivity implies an openness to forming connections, a willingness to engage with others, and the ability to integrate social aspects into various elements of life.
In the context of the Life Engineering Identity and Personal Energy Profile assessment, connectedness refers to the individual’s propensity and willingness to involve others in different areas of their lives. It’s about sharing perspectives, involving others in goal-setting and planning, seeking mentorship, sharing progress, and finding renewal in doing things with others.
the power of connectedness
Relatedness and connectedness are closely intertwined concepts that speak to our fundamental need for social connection.
While relatedness emphasizes the quality of our relationships and the sense of belonging we derive from them, connectedness extends this concept to include our capacity for social engagement and integration.
By understanding and fostering both relatedness and connectivity, we can enhance our social well-being and lead more happy, engaged, and fulfilling lives. To learn your level of Connectedness, take the Identity Assessment here.
connectedness in Different Contexts
Connectedness, the sense of forming meaningful relationships and integrating social aspects into various elements of life, is a fundamental aspect of human experience. However, the way connectedness manifests can vary greatly depending on the context. Let’s explore how connectedness can play out in different areas of life.
connectedness at work
In the workplace, connectedness can manifest as strong relationships with colleagues, a sense of belonging within the team or organization, and the integration of social aspects into work tasks. It can involve collaborating on projects, sharing ideas and feedback, and supporting each other in achieving work goals. Workplace connectedness can enhance job satisfaction, team cohesion, and overall productivity. It’s been shown that employees likelihood to stay at an organization is directly correlated to the number of strong connections they have within that organization.
connectedness with family
Within the family context, connectedness involves close emotional bonds, mutual support, and shared experiences. It can be seen in the quality of communication, the level of understanding and empathy, and the strength of emotional ties. Family connectedness contributes to a sense of security, emotional well-being, and resilience. When family connectedness is low, especially in early, formative years, individuals can suffer from feelings of insecurity, emotional instability, and lack of personal drive. Fostering and investing in these relationships is crucial.
connectedness with friends
In friendships, connectedness can manifest as shared interests, mutual understanding, and emotional support. It involves not only spending time together but also sharing experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Friendship connectedness can provide a sense of belonging, enhance self-esteem, and contribute to personal growth.
Connectedness with community
At the community level, connectedness involves a sense of belonging to a larger group, such as a neighborhood, a cultural group, or a social organization. It can involve participating in community activities, volunteering, or contributing to community development. Community connectedness can foster a sense of identity, enhance social support networks, and contribute to societal well-being. Feeling connected to community can help an individual feel a powerful sense of belonging and purpose, like they’re part of something much larger than themselves. This can richly influence their worldview and how they approach life. On the other hand, when individuals are disconnected from the community at large, they can sometimes suffer from feeling like they’re insignificant and don’t matter.
digital connectedness
In today’s digital age, connectedness also extends to online environments. This can involve social networking, online collaborations, or virtual communities. Digital connectedness can provide opportunities for social interaction beyond geographical boundaries, foster a sense of belonging in online communities, and support learning and information exchange.
the multifaceted nature of connectedness
Connectedness is a multifaceted concept that can manifest in various contexts, each with its unique characteristics and implications, and each impacting an individual in varying and nuanced ways. While there are many facets to pursue connectedness, they all can have substantial and lasting impacts on an individual’s personal well-being, their likelihood for achievement and success, and their ability to find purpose, meaning and fulfillment from life.
By understanding connectedness in these different contexts, we can better appreciate its role in our lives and harness its benefits for our well-being, relationships, and social integration. Whether in the workplace, family, friendships, community, or online, connectedness is a powerful force that shapes our experiences and contributes to our sense of belonging and fulfillment.
the challenges of connectedness
Connectedness, the sense of forming meaningful relationships and integrating social aspects into various elements of life, is a fundamental aspect of human experience. However, like any aspect of human life, connectedness can also present certain challenges. Let’s explore some of these potential challenges and how to navigate them.
maintaining individuality
One of the key challenges related to connectedness is maintaining a sense of individuality while forming close relationships with others. While connectedness involves forming bonds and integrating social aspects into life, it’s also important to maintain one’s unique identity, interests, and values. Striking the right balance between connectedness and individuality can be challenging but is crucial for personal growth and well-being. Particularly in young, formative stages of life, an individual’s identity (their sense of self and understanding who they are) can be disproportionately impacted by the collective identity of the connections they have.
Particularly in a digital world where creating connections (and a resulting “shared identity”) is frictionless, this sense of “group identity” can easily become a proxy for the individual’s own identity. This can cause them to delay their own journey of self-discovery, or worse, feel like it’s unnecessary because they already know who they are.
It’s important that while we pursue increasing our connectedness, an otherwise extremely healthy activity, we also understand ourselves and don’t ever ignore that crucial journey. This is one of the main reasons we at Life Engineering created the Identity Assessment and Personal Energy Profile, to help individuals learn who they are and fuel that journey of self-discovery and individuality. To take your own Identity Assessment, click here.
managing conflict
Connectedness involves close interactions and relationships with others, which inevitably leads to differences in opinions, values, or interests. Managing these conflicts in a constructive manner is a key challenge. It requires effective communication, empathy, and conflict resolution skills.
When individuals develop an over-reliance on the connections and relationships they have, or when their sense of identity is unhealthily connected to (or dependent on) those relationships, this can create emotional and psychological instability or suffering when those connections and relationships suffer.
It’s important that an individual is able to separate the conflict that can exist within their relationships from who they are as an individual and how they view themselves.
dealing with social anxiety or loneliness
For some individuals, forming connections and integrating social aspects into life can be challenging due to social anxiety or feelings of loneliness. These individuals may find it difficult to initiate social interactions or form close relationships. It’s important to recognize these challenges and seek appropriate support, such as counseling, coaching or therapy.
Because connectedness and relatedness are such a fundamental psychological need, it’s important to seek help if you struggle to create relationships generally or find that you relentlessly avoid situations where connections can occur. Being introverted or anti-social by nature isn’t bad, as long as you are able to build and maintain a small set of strong, deep connections. It’s only when someone has no connections that they begin to feel lonely, isolated, and even despair. This can be a painful time.
Sometimes the reality isn’t that the individual has no connections, but rather they have lost perspective of the relationships they have. When an individual feels this way, it can be important and helpful to take stock and inventory the people you are connected to in any way. This can help you identify the extent of the people that are within your reach, and provide a foundation for reaching out to re-connect or deepen those relationships.
balancing social needs with personal needs
Connectedness involves integrating social aspects into various elements of life. However, it’s also important to balance social needs with personal needs, such as the need for solitude, rest, or personal hobbies. Finding this balance can be a challenge but is crucial for overall well-being.
navigating the challenges of connectedness and relatedness
While connectedness is a key aspect of human life and a driver of well-being, it can also present very real challenges. Navigating these challenges involves maintaining individuality, managing conflict, dealing with social anxiety or loneliness, navigating digital connectedness, and balancing social and personal needs. By understanding and effectively navigating these challenges, we can enhance our connectedness and lead more fulfilling lives.
understanding high vs low connectedness and relatedness
Connectedness, the sense of forming meaningful relationships and integrating social aspects into various elements of life, is a fundamental aspect of human experience. However, individuals can vary greatly in their level of connectedness. Let’s explore what it means to have high or low connectedness and why this is important to life.
high connectedness
Individuals with high connectedness often have strong social networks and meaningful relationships. They tend to involve others in various aspects of their lives, from sharing perspectives and plans to seeking mentorship and sharing progress. High connectedness often indicates a strong sense of belonging and emotional support, which can enhance psychological well-being, resilience, and life satisfaction.
However, high connectedness can also come with challenges. It might involve managing conflicts in relationships, balancing social and personal needs, and maintaining individuality while forming close relationships with others.
low connectedness
On the other hand, individuals with low connectedness may have fewer social connections or less involvement with others in various aspects of life. This doesn’t necessarily mean they lack social skills or relationships, but rather that they might prefer a degree of solitude or independence in their activities and decisions.
Low connectedness can also be a sign of challenges such as social anxiety, feelings of loneliness, or difficulties in forming close relationships. However, it can also reflect personal preferences and needs. Some individuals may prefer more solitary pursuits or have a greater need for autonomy and independence.
the importance of connectedness and relatedness in life
Regardless of whether one has high or low connectedness, understanding one’s level of connectedness is crucial as it can provide valuable insights into one’s social behavior and preferences. It can guide individuals in nurturing their relationships, improving their social skills, and finding the right balance between independence and social engagement.
Connectedness plays a significant role in our mental health, well-being, and overall life satisfaction. It influences our sense of belonging, emotional support, resilience, and even physical health. By understanding and effectively managing our level of connectedness, we can enhance our well-being and lead more fulfilling lives.
Whether you have high or low connectedness, it’s not about good or bad, but about understanding your unique social needs and preferences and how they shape your life.
how to improve your connectedness
The 16 Elements of Human Achievement provide a guide for how an individual can improve their connectedness in life. Here are a few ways you can use the 16 Elements to increase your connectedness and relatedness to others.
the 16 elements of human achievement
- Perspective: Seek out diverse social interactions. Spending time with different people can broaden your perspective and deepen your understanding of others. Engage in meaningful conversations and be open to learning from others’ experiences.
- Identity: Be authentic in your interactions. Show who you really are to others. Authenticity fosters deeper connections and enhances relatedness because it allows for genuine understanding and acceptance.
- Objective: Involve others in the pursuit of your goals. Shared endeavors can strengthen bonds and create a sense of camaraderie. It also allows for mutual support and encouragement, which can enhance relatedness.
- Plan: Include others in your plans. Whether it’s a work project or a leisure activity, planning together can foster a sense of shared purpose and enhance relatedness.
- Relationship: Invest time and effort in your relationships. Meaningful relationships are built on mutual care, understanding, and respect. Regularly communicate, show empathy, and be there for others.
- Space: Collaborate with others in gathering resources. This not only makes the task more enjoyable but also fosters a sense of teamwork and relatedness.
- Mentor: Cultivate meaningful connections with mentors. A mentor can provide guidance and support, and the connection can be a source of inspiration and personal growth.
- Environment: Involve others in creating your surroundings. This can foster a sense of shared ownership and community, enhancing relatedness.
- Score: Share your progress with others. This can foster a sense of shared achievement and motivate others to join you in your journey.
- Momentum: Share your progress and celebrate your successes with others. This can foster a sense of shared joy and achievement, enhancing relatedness.
- Investment: Share your passions and interests with others. This can foster shared interests and deepen connections.
- Alignment: Seek input from others to ensure you’re on track. This shows you value their opinions and fosters a sense of mutual respect and understanding.
- Impact: Share your successes and impacts with others. This can foster a sense of shared pride and achievement, enhancing relatedness.
- Growth: Share your personal growth with those close to you. This can foster a sense of shared journey and personal connection, enhancing relatedness.
- Value: Seek recognition for your impact. Recognition from others can foster a sense of shared value and achievement, enhancing relatedness.
- Renewal: Engage in activities with others. Shared activities can foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual enjoyment, enhancing relatedness.
In conclusion, enhancing relatedness involves fostering deeper connections, shared activities, mutual support, and social recognition. By focusing on these strategies related to the 16 Elements, you can experience more relatedness and enjoy the associated benefits of increased motivation, personal well-being, and life satisfaction.
How we measure connectedness and relatedness
The Life Engineering Identity Assessment and Personal Energy Profile measures an individual’s connectedness and relatedness across 16 metrics, each pertaining to the 16 Elements of Human Achievement. Here’s how we measure each Element.
Measuring connectedness with the 16 Elements
- Perspective: This question measures the extent to which social interactions enhance an individual’s perspective, indicating the value they place on others’ viewpoints.
- Identity: This question assesses the individual’s comfort in revealing their authentic self to others, indicating the depth of their connections.
- Objective: This question gauges the individual’s enjoyment in involving others in their goal pursuit, indicating the importance of shared endeavors in their relationships.
- Plan: This question measures the individual’s preference for including others in their plans, indicating the value they place on collaborative planning.
- Relationship: This question assesses the individual’s sense of meaning derived from their relationships, indicating the importance of interpersonal connections in their life.
- Space: This question gauges the individual’s enjoyment in including others in resource gathering, indicating the value they place on cooperative efforts.
- Mentor: This question measures the individual’s sense of meaning derived from connections with mentors, indicating the importance of guidance and support in their personal journey.
- Environment: This question assesses the individual’s enjoyment in involving others in creating supportive surroundings, indicating the value they place on shared environmental control.
- Score: This question gauges the individual’s motivation derived from sharing their progress scores with others, indicating the importance of social recognition in their motivation.
- Momentum: This question measures the individual’s preference for sharing their progress with others, indicating the value they place on social involvement in their personal growth.
- Investment: This question assesses the individual’s enjoyment in sharing their investments with others, indicating the importance of shared interests and endeavors.
- Alignment: This question gauges the individual’s preference for seeking others’ input to ensure they’re on track, indicating the value they place on others’ perspectives in their personal journey.
- Impact: This question measures the individual’s enjoyment in sharing their impact with others, indicating the importance of social recognition in their sense of accomplishment.
- Growth: This question assesses the individual’s natural inclination to share their growth with close ones, indicating the importance of shared personal development.
- Value: This question gauges the individual’s sense of meaning derived from recognition for their impact, indicating the importance of social recognition in their sense of value.
- Renewal: This question measures the individual’s sense of renewal derived from doing things with others, indicating the importance of shared activities in their rejuvenation.
measure your own level of connectedness and relatedness
The Life Engineering Identity Assessment and Personal Energy Profile allow you to quickly measure your own degree of connectedness and relatedness.
Personal Energy Profile
Discover what makes you... you