The Psychology of Mattering

The Psychology of Mattering: Understanding the Human Need to be Significant is the first comprehensive examination of mattering that is discussed in terms of associated motives, cognitions, emotions and behaviors. As mattering involves the self in relation to other people, the book tackles key relational themes of internal working models of attachment, transactional processes, and more. Extensive analysis from a conceptual perspective is balanced by a similar analysis of mattering from an applied perspective, specifically the relevance of mattering in clinical and counseling contexts, in assessment and treatment.

The book is supported by recent empirical advances making it an authoritative text on the psychology of mattering that will heighten awareness of mattering by informing academic scholars and the general public.

• Defines mattering and its various facets
• Explains the importance of mattering in predicting key life outcomes
• Provides a narrative perspective on the importance of mattering in people’s lives
• Discusses mattering in terms of self-esteem, perfectionism, self-compassion, and vulnerabilities and resilience
• Describes assessment scales for measuring mattering
• Details links between mattering and anxiety, depression and suicide

Students and researchers in psychology, sociology, and public health. Educated lay people interested in mattering, meaning in life, suicide, resilience

Preface

Part I Introduction and Significance in People’s Lives

1. Introduction

2. Life Stories of Mattering and Anti-Mattering: A Narrative Perspective

Part II Definition, Conceptualization, and Assessment

3. Mattering: Definitional Considerations and Historical Advances

4. Mattering as a Psychological Construct

5. The Assessment of Mattering

6. The Development of Mattering

Part III Mattering in Positive and Negative Adjustment

7. Mattering in Positive and Negative Adjustment

8. Mattering Versus Not Mattering in Mental Illness: Associations With Anxiety, Depression, Suicide, and Personality Dysfunction

9. The Need to Matter in Clinical and Counseling Settings: The Treatment Process of the Client-Therapist Relationship

Part IV Mattering in Life Contexts

10. Mattering at School

11. Mattering at Work 

12. Mattering in the Community

Part V Knowledge Mobilization and Future Directions

13. The Psychology of Mattering: Knowledge Implementation Recommendations

14. The Psychology of Mattering: Issues and Future Directions