HRPYC81 PRO1 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 5 MAY 2026
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MATTERING: A LITERATURE REVIEW
1. Conceptualising Mattering as a Psychological Experience
The psychological construct of mattering has received growing attention as a
fundamental component of human well‑being and meaning. While early formulations
appeared in sociological work (Rosenberg & McCullough, 1981), contemporary
psychology has refined mattering as the subjective sense that one is important to others
and that one’s existence makes a difference in the social world. A widely adopted
definition comes from Prilleltensky (2020), who conceptualises mattering as comprising
two core dimensions: feeling valued and adding value. Feeling valued refers to the
perception that others care about, appreciate, and notice the individual; adding value
refers to the individual’s ability to contribute meaningfully to others’ lives, thereby
generating a sense of purpose and efficacy.
DUE 5 MAY 2026
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MATTERING: A LITERATURE REVIEW
1. Conceptualising Mattering as a Psychological Experience
The psychological construct of mattering has received growing attention as a
fundamental component of human well‑being and meaning. While early formulations
appeared in sociological work (Rosenberg & McCullough, 1981), contemporary
psychology has refined mattering as the subjective sense that one is important to others
and that one’s existence makes a difference in the social world. A widely adopted
definition comes from Prilleltensky (2020), who conceptualises mattering as comprising
two core dimensions: feeling valued and adding value. Feeling valued refers to the
perception that others care about, appreciate, and notice the individual; adding value
refers to the individual’s ability to contribute meaningfully to others’ lives, thereby
generating a sense of purpose and efficacy.
