HRPYC81
Assignment 2 2026
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number:
Due Date: 05 May 2026
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MATTERING
LITERATURE REVIEW
1. Reconceptualising Mattering as a Psychological Experience
The concept of mattering has gained strong attention in contemporary psychology because it
speaks directly to how individuals experience their social value. Although the idea appears
straightforward, closer examination shows that mattering is a layered and evolving construct
Terms of use
that reflects both interpersonal and intrapersonal processes. Researchers
By making use of thisbroadly
documentagree thatto:
you agree
Use this
mattering involves feeling important to document as a there
others, yet guide for learning,
are notablecomparison and reference
differences in howpurpose,
this
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
importance is defined, structured, andaccept
Fully experienced.
the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
, +27 67 171 1739
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MATTERING
LITERATURE REVIEW
1. Reconceptualising Mattering as a Psychological Experience
The concept of mattering has gained strong attention in contemporary psychology
because it speaks directly to how individuals experience their social value. Although
the idea appears straightforward, closer examination shows that mattering is a
layered and evolving construct that reflects both interpersonal and intrapersonal
processes. Researchers broadly agree that mattering involves feeling important to
others, yet there are notable differences in how this importance is defined,
structured, and experienced.
A useful starting point is the early work that framed mattering as a perception rooted
in social feedback. Elliott et al. (2005) emphasised that mattering is grounded in the
belief that one is noticed, cared for, and relied upon. This view positions mattering as
a relational construct that develops through interaction. Across many studies, these
three elements continue to appear, which suggests that there is stability in the core
understanding of mattering. However, this early perspective mainly presents
individuals as receivers of recognition, with less attention given to their role as
contributors.
More recent scholarship challenges this one-sided view by introducing a more
reciprocal understanding of mattering. Prilleltensky (2020) proposes that mattering
consists of two interdependent experiences: feeling valued and adding value. This
dual perspective shifts the focus from passive recognition to active participation. In
this sense, mattering is not only about how individuals are treated, but also about
how they engage with others and society. This development is significant because it
connects mattering with broader ideas such as purpose, contribution, and social
responsibility (Costin & Vignoles, 2020).
Despite this shared recognition of importance, the literature reveals disagreement
regarding the structure of mattering. Some researchers argue that mattering is a
general psychological state that remains relatively stable across different contexts
(Rayle, 2006). From this perspective, individuals either feel that they matter or they
do not. In contrast, other scholars argue that mattering is context-dependent and
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
, +27 67 171 1739
varies across life domains. Scarpa et al. (2022) demonstrate that individuals may
experience strong mattering within close relationships while feeling insignificant in
wider social settings such as workplaces or communities. This multidimensional
approach reflects a more flexible understanding of human social experience.
Another area where the literature has developed is in recognising negative forms of
mattering. Traditionally, research focused mainly on positive experiences, but recent
studies introduce the concept of anti-mattering. Giangrasso et al. (2022) describe
anti-mattering as the feeling of being invisible, unimportant, or disregarded.
Importantly, this is not simply the absence of mattering. Instead, it represents a
distinct psychological state with its own effects. Tonini et al. (2025) show that anti-
mattering is strongly associated with emotional distress, suggesting that negative
experiences of significance can have serious consequences. This distinction adds
depth to the concept and highlights that mattering operates along multiple
dimensions.
When comparing different conceptualisations, several points of agreement become
clear. Firstly, mattering is deeply embedded in social relationships. It cannot exist
without interaction, as it depends on how individuals are treated and perceived by
others (Flett et al., 2019). Secondly, mattering is subjective. It is based on personal
interpretation rather than objective indicators of importance. This explains why
individuals in similar environments may experience different levels of mattering.
Thirdly, mattering is not fixed. It can change over time depending on life experiences
and social contexts (Zhou et al., 2025).
At the same time, differences emerge in how researchers explain the underlying
processes of mattering. Some emphasise cognitive interpretation, suggesting that
mattering depends on how individuals make sense of social cues (Rayle, 2006).
Others focus on relational dynamics, arguing that mattering is shaped by actual
interactions and behaviours within relationships (Di Napoli et al., 2024). Rather than
being contradictory, these perspectives highlight that mattering involves both
interpretation and interaction.
Theoretical perspectives help to integrate these views. Self-determination theory
suggests that individuals have a basic need for relatedness, which involves feeling
connected and valued. Mattering can be understood as one way of fulfilling this need
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
Assignment 2 2026
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number:
Due Date: 05 May 2026
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MATTERING
LITERATURE REVIEW
1. Reconceptualising Mattering as a Psychological Experience
The concept of mattering has gained strong attention in contemporary psychology because it
speaks directly to how individuals experience their social value. Although the idea appears
straightforward, closer examination shows that mattering is a layered and evolving construct
Terms of use
that reflects both interpersonal and intrapersonal processes. Researchers
By making use of thisbroadly
documentagree thatto:
you agree
Use this
mattering involves feeling important to document as a there
others, yet guide for learning,
are notablecomparison and reference
differences in howpurpose,
this
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
importance is defined, structured, andaccept
Fully experienced.
the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
, +27 67 171 1739
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MATTERING
LITERATURE REVIEW
1. Reconceptualising Mattering as a Psychological Experience
The concept of mattering has gained strong attention in contemporary psychology
because it speaks directly to how individuals experience their social value. Although
the idea appears straightforward, closer examination shows that mattering is a
layered and evolving construct that reflects both interpersonal and intrapersonal
processes. Researchers broadly agree that mattering involves feeling important to
others, yet there are notable differences in how this importance is defined,
structured, and experienced.
A useful starting point is the early work that framed mattering as a perception rooted
in social feedback. Elliott et al. (2005) emphasised that mattering is grounded in the
belief that one is noticed, cared for, and relied upon. This view positions mattering as
a relational construct that develops through interaction. Across many studies, these
three elements continue to appear, which suggests that there is stability in the core
understanding of mattering. However, this early perspective mainly presents
individuals as receivers of recognition, with less attention given to their role as
contributors.
More recent scholarship challenges this one-sided view by introducing a more
reciprocal understanding of mattering. Prilleltensky (2020) proposes that mattering
consists of two interdependent experiences: feeling valued and adding value. This
dual perspective shifts the focus from passive recognition to active participation. In
this sense, mattering is not only about how individuals are treated, but also about
how they engage with others and society. This development is significant because it
connects mattering with broader ideas such as purpose, contribution, and social
responsibility (Costin & Vignoles, 2020).
Despite this shared recognition of importance, the literature reveals disagreement
regarding the structure of mattering. Some researchers argue that mattering is a
general psychological state that remains relatively stable across different contexts
(Rayle, 2006). From this perspective, individuals either feel that they matter or they
do not. In contrast, other scholars argue that mattering is context-dependent and
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
, +27 67 171 1739
varies across life domains. Scarpa et al. (2022) demonstrate that individuals may
experience strong mattering within close relationships while feeling insignificant in
wider social settings such as workplaces or communities. This multidimensional
approach reflects a more flexible understanding of human social experience.
Another area where the literature has developed is in recognising negative forms of
mattering. Traditionally, research focused mainly on positive experiences, but recent
studies introduce the concept of anti-mattering. Giangrasso et al. (2022) describe
anti-mattering as the feeling of being invisible, unimportant, or disregarded.
Importantly, this is not simply the absence of mattering. Instead, it represents a
distinct psychological state with its own effects. Tonini et al. (2025) show that anti-
mattering is strongly associated with emotional distress, suggesting that negative
experiences of significance can have serious consequences. This distinction adds
depth to the concept and highlights that mattering operates along multiple
dimensions.
When comparing different conceptualisations, several points of agreement become
clear. Firstly, mattering is deeply embedded in social relationships. It cannot exist
without interaction, as it depends on how individuals are treated and perceived by
others (Flett et al., 2019). Secondly, mattering is subjective. It is based on personal
interpretation rather than objective indicators of importance. This explains why
individuals in similar environments may experience different levels of mattering.
Thirdly, mattering is not fixed. It can change over time depending on life experiences
and social contexts (Zhou et al., 2025).
At the same time, differences emerge in how researchers explain the underlying
processes of mattering. Some emphasise cognitive interpretation, suggesting that
mattering depends on how individuals make sense of social cues (Rayle, 2006).
Others focus on relational dynamics, arguing that mattering is shaped by actual
interactions and behaviours within relationships (Di Napoli et al., 2024). Rather than
being contradictory, these perspectives highlight that mattering involves both
interpretation and interaction.
Theoretical perspectives help to integrate these views. Self-determination theory
suggests that individuals have a basic need for relatedness, which involves feeling
connected and valued. Mattering can be understood as one way of fulfilling this need
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
