Mattering

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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]

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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

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Want to Believe in Yourself? 'Mattering' Is Key".
  2. 1 2 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.
  3. 1 2 3 4 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