The Psychology of Mattering

Book excerpt: 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