HRPYC81
PROJECT 1: The Psychology of Mattering
Assignment 3 RESEARCH PROPOSAL 2026
Due Date: 23 June 2026
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPERIENCE OF MATTERING AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH
SOCIAL SUPPORT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
1. INTRODUCTION
The psychological experience of mattering has gained increasing attention as an important
factor in understanding human functioning, particularly in relation to well-being and social
connectedness. Mattering refers to the perception that one is valued by others and able to
contribute meaningfully within social contexts (Prilleltensky, 2020). This experience is closely
linked to how individuals evaluate their lives, as feeling significant to others supports a sense
of meaning and purpose (Costin & Vignoles, 2020). In the South African context, ongoing
challenges such as social inequality, unemployment, marginalisation, and limited access to
mental health resources continue to affect individuals’ sense of belonging and personal
value. These conditions may increase feelings of insignificance and social exclusion, which
are associated with negative psychological outcomes such as depression and anxiety (Dixon
et al., 2009). Strengthening the understanding of mattering may therefore contribute to
addressing these challenges by identifying psychological pathways that support resilience
and well-being. Terms of use
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 AND ITS
RELATIONSHIP WITH SOCIAL SUPPORT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
1. INTRODUCTION
The psychological experience of mattering has gained increasing attention as an
important factor in understanding human functioning, particularly in relation to well-
being and social connectedness. Mattering refers to the perception that one is
valued by others and able to contribute meaningfully within social contexts
(Prilleltensky, 2020). This experience is closely linked to how individuals evaluate
their lives, as feeling significant to others supports a sense of meaning and purpose
(Costin & Vignoles, 2020). In the South African context, ongoing challenges such as
social inequality, unemployment, marginalisation, and limited access to mental
health resources continue to affect individuals’ sense of belonging and personal
value. These conditions may increase feelings of insignificance and social exclusion,
which are associated with negative psychological outcomes such as depression and
anxiety (Dixon et al., 2009). Strengthening the understanding of mattering may
therefore contribute to addressing these challenges by identifying psychological
pathways that support resilience and well-being.
This study focuses on the relationship between mattering, social support, and
psychological well-being. Social support is recognised as a key factor that enhances
individuals’ perceptions of being valued and important within relationships (Matera et
al., 2020). At the same time, psychological well-being reflects positive functioning,
life satisfaction, and emotional stability, which are consistently associated with higher
levels of perceived mattering (Giangrasso et al., 2022). The proposed research will
examine how social support influences the experience of mattering and how
mattering, in turn, relates to psychological well-being among young adults. A
quantitative research approach will be used to explore these relationships through
standardised measurements and statistical analysis. By focusing on these
constructs, the study aims to provide insight into how enhancing supportive social
environments may strengthen individuals’ sense of mattering and improve well-being
outcomes in the South African context.
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
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Conceptualisation of Mattering as a Psychological Experience
Mattering is understood as a psychological experience where individuals perceive
themselves as significant within their social world. It reflects the belief that one is
important to others and capable of contributing meaningfully to relationships and
society (Prilleltensky, 2020). This experience goes beyond basic social acceptance
because it includes both feeling valued and having a sense of personal impact. The
perception of mattering plays a central role in how individuals evaluate the meaning
and purpose of their lives (Costin & Vignoles, 2020).
Some approaches focus on mattering as a relational experience that develops within
close interpersonal relationships. In this view, individuals feel that they matter when
they believe they are important to specific others such as family members or friends.
This relational focus highlights emotional security, recognition, and the expectation
that one’s absence would be noticed (Matera et al., 2020; Rayle, 2006). These
perspectives emphasise the role of close social bonds in shaping perceptions of
importance.
Other approaches extend mattering beyond close relationships and treat it as a
broader psychological orientation across different life domains. In this view,
individuals may experience mattering within family, work, community, and society as
a whole (Scarpa et al., 2022). This perspective suggests that mattering is not limited
to one context but can vary depending on the environment and social role. It also
recognises that individuals may feel valued in one area of life while feeling
insignificant in another.
The dimensions of mattering have also been described in different ways. Earlier
work identifies key elements such as being noticed, being important, and being relied
upon by others. These elements capture whether individuals feel recognised and
whether their presence makes a difference (Flett, 2022). More recent research
introduces a multidimensional structure that includes both positive mattering and
negative experiences such as anti-mattering. Anti-mattering refers to the active
feeling of being invisible, insignificant, or unimportant, rather than simply lacking
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 3 RESEARCH PROPOSAL 2026
Due Date: 23 June 2026
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPERIENCE OF MATTERING AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH
SOCIAL SUPPORT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
1. INTRODUCTION
The psychological experience of mattering has gained increasing attention as an important
factor in understanding human functioning, particularly in relation to well-being and social
connectedness. Mattering refers to the perception that one is valued by others and able to
contribute meaningfully within social contexts (Prilleltensky, 2020). This experience is closely
linked to how individuals evaluate their lives, as feeling significant to others supports a sense
of meaning and purpose (Costin & Vignoles, 2020). In the South African context, ongoing
challenges such as social inequality, unemployment, marginalisation, and limited access to
mental health resources continue to affect individuals’ sense of belonging and personal
value. These conditions may increase feelings of insignificance and social exclusion, which
are associated with negative psychological outcomes such as depression and anxiety (Dixon
et al., 2009). Strengthening the understanding of mattering may therefore contribute to
addressing these challenges by identifying psychological pathways that support resilience
and well-being. Terms of use
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 AND ITS
RELATIONSHIP WITH SOCIAL SUPPORT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
1. INTRODUCTION
The psychological experience of mattering has gained increasing attention as an
important factor in understanding human functioning, particularly in relation to well-
being and social connectedness. Mattering refers to the perception that one is
valued by others and able to contribute meaningfully within social contexts
(Prilleltensky, 2020). This experience is closely linked to how individuals evaluate
their lives, as feeling significant to others supports a sense of meaning and purpose
(Costin & Vignoles, 2020). In the South African context, ongoing challenges such as
social inequality, unemployment, marginalisation, and limited access to mental
health resources continue to affect individuals’ sense of belonging and personal
value. These conditions may increase feelings of insignificance and social exclusion,
which are associated with negative psychological outcomes such as depression and
anxiety (Dixon et al., 2009). Strengthening the understanding of mattering may
therefore contribute to addressing these challenges by identifying psychological
pathways that support resilience and well-being.
This study focuses on the relationship between mattering, social support, and
psychological well-being. Social support is recognised as a key factor that enhances
individuals’ perceptions of being valued and important within relationships (Matera et
al., 2020). At the same time, psychological well-being reflects positive functioning,
life satisfaction, and emotional stability, which are consistently associated with higher
levels of perceived mattering (Giangrasso et al., 2022). The proposed research will
examine how social support influences the experience of mattering and how
mattering, in turn, relates to psychological well-being among young adults. A
quantitative research approach will be used to explore these relationships through
standardised measurements and statistical analysis. By focusing on these
constructs, the study aims to provide insight into how enhancing supportive social
environments may strengthen individuals’ sense of mattering and improve well-being
outcomes in the South African context.
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
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Conceptualisation of Mattering as a Psychological Experience
Mattering is understood as a psychological experience where individuals perceive
themselves as significant within their social world. It reflects the belief that one is
important to others and capable of contributing meaningfully to relationships and
society (Prilleltensky, 2020). This experience goes beyond basic social acceptance
because it includes both feeling valued and having a sense of personal impact. The
perception of mattering plays a central role in how individuals evaluate the meaning
and purpose of their lives (Costin & Vignoles, 2020).
Some approaches focus on mattering as a relational experience that develops within
close interpersonal relationships. In this view, individuals feel that they matter when
they believe they are important to specific others such as family members or friends.
This relational focus highlights emotional security, recognition, and the expectation
that one’s absence would be noticed (Matera et al., 2020; Rayle, 2006). These
perspectives emphasise the role of close social bonds in shaping perceptions of
importance.
Other approaches extend mattering beyond close relationships and treat it as a
broader psychological orientation across different life domains. In this view,
individuals may experience mattering within family, work, community, and society as
a whole (Scarpa et al., 2022). This perspective suggests that mattering is not limited
to one context but can vary depending on the environment and social role. It also
recognises that individuals may feel valued in one area of life while feeling
insignificant in another.
The dimensions of mattering have also been described in different ways. Earlier
work identifies key elements such as being noticed, being important, and being relied
upon by others. These elements capture whether individuals feel recognised and
whether their presence makes a difference (Flett, 2022). More recent research
introduces a multidimensional structure that includes both positive mattering and
negative experiences such as anti-mattering. Anti-mattering refers to the active
feeling of being invisible, insignificant, or unimportant, rather than simply lacking
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.
