HRPYC81
PROJECT 1: The Psychology of Mattering
Assignment 4 RESEARCH REPORT 2026
Due Date: 23 June 2026
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPERIENCE OF MATTERING AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH
SOCIAL SUPPORT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
ABSTRACT
This study examined the psychological experience of mattering and its relationship with
social support and psychological well-being among young adults in South Africa. Mattering
refers to the perception that one is valued and able to contribute meaningfully within social
relationships, which is closely linked to individuals’ sense of meaning and life satisfaction
(Prilleltensky, 2020; Costin & Vignoles, 2020). The study aimed to test whether perceived
social support is associated with mattering, whether mattering is related to psychological
well-being, and whether mattering explains the relationship between social support and well-
being. A quantitative research approach was applied using a cross-sectional survey design.
Data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed via Qualtrics to participants
aged 18 years and older. Standardised instruments were used to measure social support,
mattering, and psychological well-being. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics,
correlation analysis, and regression-based mediation analysis.
Terms of use
The findings indicated that higher levels of perceived social support were associatedagree
By making use of this document you withto:
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
ABSTRACT
This study examined the psychological experience of mattering and its relationship
with social support and psychological well-being among young adults in South Africa.
Mattering refers to the perception that one is valued and able to contribute
meaningfully within social relationships, which is closely linked to individuals’ sense
of meaning and life satisfaction (Prilleltensky, 2020; Costin & Vignoles, 2020). The
study aimed to test whether perceived social support is associated with mattering,
whether mattering is related to psychological well-being, and whether mattering
explains the relationship between social support and well-being. A quantitative
research approach was applied using a cross-sectional survey design. Data were
collected through an online questionnaire distributed via Qualtrics to participants
aged 18 years and older. Standardised instruments were used to measure social
support, mattering, and psychological well-being. The data were analysed using
descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression-based mediation analysis.
The findings indicated that higher levels of perceived social support were associated
with stronger perceptions of mattering. Higher levels of mattering were also
associated with increased psychological well-being. In addition, mattering partially
explained the relationship between social support and psychological well-being,
suggesting that supportive relationships contribute to well-being through enhancing
individuals’ sense of importance and value. These results highlight the role of social
environments in shaping psychological functioning. Strengthening supportive
relationships may enhance individuals’ experience of mattering, which can contribute
to improved well-being outcomes. The study provides insight into psychological
processes that may support resilience and mental health in the South African
context.
1. INTRODUCTION
Many individuals in South Africa continue to face conditions such as unemployment,
poverty, inequality, and limited access to mental health services, which can weaken
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
feelings of belonging and personal value. These challenges are often linked to
experiences of social exclusion, emotional distress, and reduced psychological well-
being (Dixon et al., 2009). Understanding psychological factors that support
resilience and positive functioning is therefore important. One such factor is the
experience of mattering, which refers to the perception that one is valued by others
and able to make a meaningful contribution within social contexts (Prilleltensky,
2020). When individuals feel that they matter, they are more likely to experience a
sense of meaning and purpose in life, which supports overall well-being (Costin &
Vignoles, 2020). Despite its importance, limited research has focused on how
mattering operates within the South African context, particularly in relation to social
relationships and well-being outcomes.
This study focuses on the relationship between mattering, social support, and
psychological well-being among young adults. Social support reflects the presence
of caring and supportive relationships that signal to individuals that they are valued
and important (Matera et al., 2020). Psychological well-being refers to positive
emotional functioning, life satisfaction, and stability, which are associated with higher
levels of perceived mattering (Giangrasso et al., 2022). The study examines whether
social support is associated with mattering, whether mattering is related to
psychological well-being, and whether mattering explains how social support
contributes to well-being. These relationships will be examined using a quantitative
cross-sectional survey design with standardised measurements and statistical
analysis. By focusing on these constructs, the study aims to provide insight into how
strengthening social support may enhance mattering and improve psychological
well-being in the South African context.
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
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 4 RESEARCH REPORT 2026
Due Date: 23 June 2026
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPERIENCE OF MATTERING AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH
SOCIAL SUPPORT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
ABSTRACT
This study examined the psychological experience of mattering and its relationship with
social support and psychological well-being among young adults in South Africa. Mattering
refers to the perception that one is valued and able to contribute meaningfully within social
relationships, which is closely linked to individuals’ sense of meaning and life satisfaction
(Prilleltensky, 2020; Costin & Vignoles, 2020). The study aimed to test whether perceived
social support is associated with mattering, whether mattering is related to psychological
well-being, and whether mattering explains the relationship between social support and well-
being. A quantitative research approach was applied using a cross-sectional survey design.
Data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed via Qualtrics to participants
aged 18 years and older. Standardised instruments were used to measure social support,
mattering, and psychological well-being. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics,
correlation analysis, and regression-based mediation analysis.
Terms of use
The findings indicated that higher levels of perceived social support were associatedagree
By making use of this document you withto:
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
ABSTRACT
This study examined the psychological experience of mattering and its relationship
with social support and psychological well-being among young adults in South Africa.
Mattering refers to the perception that one is valued and able to contribute
meaningfully within social relationships, which is closely linked to individuals’ sense
of meaning and life satisfaction (Prilleltensky, 2020; Costin & Vignoles, 2020). The
study aimed to test whether perceived social support is associated with mattering,
whether mattering is related to psychological well-being, and whether mattering
explains the relationship between social support and well-being. A quantitative
research approach was applied using a cross-sectional survey design. Data were
collected through an online questionnaire distributed via Qualtrics to participants
aged 18 years and older. Standardised instruments were used to measure social
support, mattering, and psychological well-being. The data were analysed using
descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression-based mediation analysis.
The findings indicated that higher levels of perceived social support were associated
with stronger perceptions of mattering. Higher levels of mattering were also
associated with increased psychological well-being. In addition, mattering partially
explained the relationship between social support and psychological well-being,
suggesting that supportive relationships contribute to well-being through enhancing
individuals’ sense of importance and value. These results highlight the role of social
environments in shaping psychological functioning. Strengthening supportive
relationships may enhance individuals’ experience of mattering, which can contribute
to improved well-being outcomes. The study provides insight into psychological
processes that may support resilience and mental health in the South African
context.
1. INTRODUCTION
Many individuals in South Africa continue to face conditions such as unemployment,
poverty, inequality, and limited access to mental health services, which can weaken
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
feelings of belonging and personal value. These challenges are often linked to
experiences of social exclusion, emotional distress, and reduced psychological well-
being (Dixon et al., 2009). Understanding psychological factors that support
resilience and positive functioning is therefore important. One such factor is the
experience of mattering, which refers to the perception that one is valued by others
and able to make a meaningful contribution within social contexts (Prilleltensky,
2020). When individuals feel that they matter, they are more likely to experience a
sense of meaning and purpose in life, which supports overall well-being (Costin &
Vignoles, 2020). Despite its importance, limited research has focused on how
mattering operates within the South African context, particularly in relation to social
relationships and well-being outcomes.
This study focuses on the relationship between mattering, social support, and
psychological well-being among young adults. Social support reflects the presence
of caring and supportive relationships that signal to individuals that they are valued
and important (Matera et al., 2020). Psychological well-being refers to positive
emotional functioning, life satisfaction, and stability, which are associated with higher
levels of perceived mattering (Giangrasso et al., 2022). The study examines whether
social support is associated with mattering, whether mattering is related to
psychological well-being, and whether mattering explains how social support
contributes to well-being. These relationships will be examined using a quantitative
cross-sectional survey design with standardised measurements and statistical
analysis. By focusing on these constructs, the study aims to provide insight into how
strengthening social support may enhance mattering and improve psychological
well-being in the South African context.
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
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.
