HRPYC81 Project 1 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2026 - The Psychology of Mattering

HRPYC81 Project 1 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2026 - The Psychology of Mattering ... Imagine Siphokazi, a junior lecturer at a psychology department. She works very hard, but her contributions go unnoticed. She starts to feel like her work in the department doesn't matter. Now, suppose that the Head of the Department acknowledges Siphokazi’s academic efforts in a departmental meeting by praising her for publishing in high-impact journals, and asks for her input on how to improve the quality of published research in the department. Suddenly, Siphokazi feels noticed, valued, and needed. Siphokazi psychologically experiences that she matters. Or remember when you were a teenager, and your parents sought your opinion on a family decision. For sure, you felt that you mattered. Or listen to the song “You are loved (Don’t give up) by Josh Groban and ask yourself, why you might like it? Perhaps, because the song assures us that we are important, loved, and matter? If you are a fan of the late Michael Jackson, listen to the song “Man in the Mirror”. After listing, you might be actually motivated to matter. Mattering, the psychological need to both feel valued and add value to others (Prilleltensky, 2020), has been argued to be fundamental to our judgments of the meaning of life (Costin & Vignoles, 2020). More specifically, research has shown that individuals’ perceptions of being important to others enhance their sense of well-being (Oyserman et al., 2007; Giangrasso et al., 2022; Matera et al., 2021; Paradisi et al., 2024; Scarpa et al., 2021), and self-esteem (Matera et al., 2020), and can reduce anti-social behaviours (Schmidt, 2018) and depression and anxiety (Dixon et al., 2009). Mattering, grounded in various psychological theoretical foundations (e.g., self-determination theory, social identity theory) and related to concepts such as belonging, self-esteem, and social support, is often described as comprising different interrelated dimensions (e.g., awareness, importance, reliance). Recent research suggests that the experience of mattering is related to various factors, including social support from family, peers, and the community, stable relationships with family, peers, and the community, relationship satisfaction, purpose in life, feelings of belonging, happiness, self-esteem, mental health, prosocial orientation and behaviour, and resilience, among others. The proposed research project will examine the relationship between these listed factors and individuals’ sense of mattering (and anti-mattering). In addition, sociodemographic 2 variables such as age, gender, relationship status, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status will be included as potential control variables. The listed factors define the scope of the individual research projects that students will conduct within this research project, culminating in their research report. Specifically, each student is required to select at least two of the listed factors to formulate their individual research problem and research hypotheses for their research project on the psychological experience of mattering. Conceptualise Mattering as a psychological experience The psychological concept of mattering has been extensively explored by various researchers. Researchers have conceptualised mattering in various ways in the past and at present, often breaking it down into distinct dimensions. Based on your literature review, outline the commonalities and differences in conceptualising mattering. Also, address the question: What differentiates the different dimensions of mattering? Present a workable definition informed by the literature. 2. Psychological Factors Influencing the Experience of Mattering What are the factors that influence the experience of mattering, and how? Identify, introduce and discuss at least four (4) factors that have been shown to influence the experience of mattering. Specify the relationships. 3. Psychological Factors Influenced by the Experience of Mattering What are the factors that are influenced by the experience of mattering, and how? Identify, introduce and discuss at least four (4) factors that are influenced by the experience of mattering. Specify the relationships. 4. What factors, you identified, are both influenced and do influence the Experience of Mattering? Human behaviour is complex. Consequently, relationships between the experience of mattering and related factors are not only one-directional but also sometimes bidirectional. What do we mean by that? In psychology, a bidirectional relationship refers to a situation in which two (psychological) factors influence each other in both directions, rather than one factor causing or affecting the other in only one way (i.e., one-directional). Identify at least two (2) factors that share a bidirectional relationship with the experience of mattering and provide sufficient evidence. 5. Importance of Studying the Experience of Mattering within the South African context Why is it important to study the experience of mattering within the South African context? Formulate at least two (2) reasons that justify studying the experience of mattering in South Africa. These reasons have to be supported by evidence from existing research. The answers to this question will lay the foundations for the Introduction of your 19 next assignment (Research Proposal), as it frames the research within a broader context.