The Psychology of Mattering

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

Autorentext

Dr. Flett is most recognized for his seminal contributions to research and theory on the role of perfectionism in psychopathology. His collaborative work with Dr. Paul Hewitt of the University of British Columbia on perfectionism has received widespread national and international attention and has been the subject of numerous media stories, including coverage on CTV, CNN, and the BBC. This work has been supported by major research grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Other current research interests include the study of personality predictors of postpartum depression in new mothers and new fathers. Also, in keeping with his interest in adjustment across the lifespan, Dr. Flett is conducting programatic research on the nature and correlates of suicidality in the elderly. Dr. Flett holds a Canada Research Chair in Personality & Health.

Inhalt

Preface

Part I Introduction and Significance in People's Lives

1. Introduction

2. Life Stories of Mattering and Anti-Mattering: A Narrative Perspective

Part II Definition, Conceptualization, and Assessment

3. Mattering: Definitional Considerations and Historical Advances

4. Mattering as a Psychological Construct

5. The Assessment of Mattering

6. The Development of Mattering

Part III Mattering in Positive and Negative Adjustment

7. Mattering in Positive and Negative Adjustment

8. Mattering Versus Not Mattering in Mental Illness: Associations With Anxiety, Depression, Suicide, and Personality Dysfunction

9. The Need to Matter in Clinical and Counseling Settings: The Treatment Process of the Client-Therapist Relationship

Part IV Mattering in Life Contexts

10. Mattering at School

11. Mattering at Work

12. Mattering in the Community

Part V Knowledge Mobilization and Future Directions

13. The Psychology of Mattering: Knowledge Implementation Recommendations

14. The Psychology of Mattering: Issues and Future Directions