Key factors influencing the sense of belonging in students experiencing marginalisation: a systematic literature review

A systematic literature review was undertaken to explore factors influencing students’ sense of belonging (SB) at school. The review included 19 peer-reviewed articles that were identified using the PRISMA guidelines. The review included students under 15 years of age experiencing any form of marginalisation. The findings of the review highlight that prevailing quantitative methods in examining SB and most studies that have examined belongingness have largely been conducted in Western contexts. The review also showed that respectful teacher-student relationships and peer interactions are significant influences on students’ SB. Additionally, organisational factors, such as a welcoming and supportive environment and culture, and students’ self-perceptions significantly impact SB. The nuanced findings underscore the need for multi-faceted interventions to enhance students’ SB within schools. The paper discusses implications about how positive and inclusive educational environment could be developed, informed by the findings of the review.