Mattering is a psychological human need. A person matters when they are not only contributing to others, but also feeling valued for that contribution.[1] The sense of mattering can be considered in terms of mattering to the person, to other individuals, and to society at large.[2]
Mattering is related to, but distinct from, belongingness, self-esteem, and social connection.[1] It is a core component of each person's self-concept.[3] A person's well-being depends in part upon a sense that they matter to someone.[1] People who feel like they matter have more psychological resilience.[3]
How much a person matters is partly under that person's control.[3] For example, a person who wants to increase their sense of mattering might volunteer in their community for a project that seems valuable to them.[1]
When people feel like they do not matter, they are likely to have worse mental health,[3] and they may be attracted to political ideas that increase their sense of mattering to society, such as xenophobic policies.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Want to Believe in Yourself? 'Mattering' Is Key".
- ^ a b Prilleltensky, Isaac (March 2020). "Mattering at the Intersection of Psychology, Philosophy, and Politics". American Journal of Community Psychology. 65 (1–2): 16–34. doi:10.1002/ajcp.12368. ISSN 0091-0562. PMID 31407358.
- ^ a b c d Flett, Gordon L. (February 2022). "An Introduction, Review, and Conceptual Analysis of Mattering as an Essential Construct and an Essential Way of Life". Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment. 40 (1): 3–36. doi:10.1177/07342829211057640. ISSN 0734-2829.
Further reading
edit- Prilleltensky, Isaac and Prilleltensky, Ora. (2021). How People Matter: Why it Affects Health, Happiness, Love, Work, and Society. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1108839013.