HRPYC81
PROJECT 1: The Psychology of Mattering
Assignment 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2026
Due Date: 2026
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPERIENCE OF MATTERING
1. LITERATURE REVIEW
1.1 Conceptualisation of Mattering as a Psychological Experience
Mattering is a psychological experience centred on the belief that one is significant in the
lives of other people and in the broader social world. At its core, the concept captures two
linked experiences: feeling valued by others and feeling able to add value to others and
society (Prilleltensky, 2020). This makes mattering more than a simple feeling of social
acceptance. It involves a deeper sense that one is noticed, important, relied on, and
meaningful within relationships and social contexts. In this sense, mattering has been
positioned as a foundational human experience that contributes to how people judge the
worth and meaning of their own lives (Costin & Vignoles, 2020).
Across the literature, the concept has been approached from both interpersonal and
multidimensional perspectives. Some studies define mattering mainly in relational terms,
focusing on whether individuals feel important to specific others such as friends, family
Terms of use
members, or counsellors (Matera et al., 2020; Rayle, 2006).
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPERIENCE OF MATTERING
1. LITERATURE REVIEW
1.1 Conceptualisation of Mattering as a Psychological Experience
Mattering is a psychological experience centred on the belief that one is significant in
the lives of other people and in the broader social world. At its core, the concept
captures two linked experiences: feeling valued by others and feeling able to add
value to others and society (Prilleltensky, 2020). This makes mattering more than a
simple feeling of social acceptance. It involves a deeper sense that one is noticed,
important, relied on, and meaningful within relationships and social contexts. In this
sense, mattering has been positioned as a foundational human experience that
contributes to how people judge the worth and meaning of their own lives (Costin &
Vignoles, 2020).
Across the literature, the concept has been approached from both interpersonal and
multidimensional perspectives. Some studies define mattering mainly in relational
terms, focusing on whether individuals feel important to specific others such as
friends, family members, or counsellors (Matera et al., 2020; Rayle, 2006). In these
formulations, mattering is often tied to close relationships and the emotional security
that comes from knowing that one is cared for and would be missed if absent. Other
work has moved beyond this narrower interpersonal focus and presents mattering as
a broader life orientation that operates across domains such as family, community,
work, and society (Scarpa, Zopluoglu, & Prilleltensky, 2022a). This broader view
suggests that mattering is not confined to one relationship but can be experienced
differently across several areas of life.
The dimensions of mattering are also treated differently in the literature. Earlier and
more focused approaches emphasise being noticed, being important, and being
depended on by others. These dimensions distinguish whether a person is
recognised, regarded as significant, or seen as someone whose presence and
contribution make a difference. More recent multidimensional approaches add
greater complexity by showing that mattering can vary by life domain and can
include both positive mattering and negative experiences such as anti-mattering,
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
PROJECT 1: The Psychology of Mattering
Assignment 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2026
Due Date: 2026
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPERIENCE OF MATTERING
1. LITERATURE REVIEW
1.1 Conceptualisation of Mattering as a Psychological Experience
Mattering is a psychological experience centred on the belief that one is significant in the
lives of other people and in the broader social world. At its core, the concept captures two
linked experiences: feeling valued by others and feeling able to add value to others and
society (Prilleltensky, 2020). This makes mattering more than a simple feeling of social
acceptance. It involves a deeper sense that one is noticed, important, relied on, and
meaningful within relationships and social contexts. In this sense, mattering has been
positioned as a foundational human experience that contributes to how people judge the
worth and meaning of their own lives (Costin & Vignoles, 2020).
Across the literature, the concept has been approached from both interpersonal and
multidimensional perspectives. Some studies define mattering mainly in relational terms,
focusing on whether individuals feel important to specific others such as friends, family
Terms of use
members, or counsellors (Matera et al., 2020; Rayle, 2006).
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPERIENCE OF MATTERING
1. LITERATURE REVIEW
1.1 Conceptualisation of Mattering as a Psychological Experience
Mattering is a psychological experience centred on the belief that one is significant in
the lives of other people and in the broader social world. At its core, the concept
captures two linked experiences: feeling valued by others and feeling able to add
value to others and society (Prilleltensky, 2020). This makes mattering more than a
simple feeling of social acceptance. It involves a deeper sense that one is noticed,
important, relied on, and meaningful within relationships and social contexts. In this
sense, mattering has been positioned as a foundational human experience that
contributes to how people judge the worth and meaning of their own lives (Costin &
Vignoles, 2020).
Across the literature, the concept has been approached from both interpersonal and
multidimensional perspectives. Some studies define mattering mainly in relational
terms, focusing on whether individuals feel important to specific others such as
friends, family members, or counsellors (Matera et al., 2020; Rayle, 2006). In these
formulations, mattering is often tied to close relationships and the emotional security
that comes from knowing that one is cared for and would be missed if absent. Other
work has moved beyond this narrower interpersonal focus and presents mattering as
a broader life orientation that operates across domains such as family, community,
work, and society (Scarpa, Zopluoglu, & Prilleltensky, 2022a). This broader view
suggests that mattering is not confined to one relationship but can be experienced
differently across several areas of life.
The dimensions of mattering are also treated differently in the literature. Earlier and
more focused approaches emphasise being noticed, being important, and being
depended on by others. These dimensions distinguish whether a person is
recognised, regarded as significant, or seen as someone whose presence and
contribution make a difference. More recent multidimensional approaches add
greater complexity by showing that mattering can vary by life domain and can
include both positive mattering and negative experiences such as anti-mattering,
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
