Term: Sense of Community - (CCHS survey Data)

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2011-10-24

Definition:

A general feeling of belonging to one's community. It can "influence people's sense of identity and the extent to which they participate in society. Generally, a strong sense of belonging is positively associated with better self-reported physical and mental health. A strong sense of belonging also contributes to individual and community well-being." (Source: http://www4.hrsdc.gc.ca/.3ndic.1t.4r@-??eng.jsp?iid=71 ).

In the Canadian Community Health Survey (CHHS), participants were asked, "How would you describe your sense of belonging to your local community? Would you say it is: very strong, somewhat strong, somewhat weak, very weak?" Participants could also answer "don't know."

In Fransoo et al. (2011), participants sense of belonging to their local community was categorized as either strong ("very strong", "somewhat strong") or weak ("somewhat weak", "very weak").

Related terms 

• Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)

References 

• Fransoo R, Martens P, Prior H, Chateau D, McDougall C, Schultz J, McGowan K, Soodeen R, Bailly A. Adult Obesity in Manitoba: Prevalence, Associations, and Outcomes. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2011. [Report] [Summary] (View)