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
See also
See also
- Third place – a place outside of home and employment where someone might matter to others
References
References
- "Want to Believe in Yourself? 'Mattering' Is Key". 27 September 2023.
- 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.
- 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
Further reading
- Prilleltensky, Isaac and Prilleltensky, Ora. (2021). How People Matter: Why it Affects Health, Happiness, Love, Work, and Society. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1108839013.