Psychology: Feeling like you don't fit in may stem from environments, not just you

Times of India · lifestyle

Psychology suggests that feeling like you don't belong might be less about personal flaws and more about the environments that shape self-perception. When individuals are unsure of acceptance, they can become overly sensitive to social cues, interpreting ambiguous situations through the lens of belonging. Repeated negative experiences, like being excluded, can lead to a persistent belief that one is inherently unlikeable. This process, known as reflected appraisals, means others' reactions can become a mirror for self-concept.