The present analysis provides a relatively broad review of the theoretical framework of mattering, mattering within the work context, and existing psychometric measures of mattering.
Theoretical Framework: Components and Types of Mattering
Rosenberg, a social psychologist, first introduced the term mattering in the field (Rosenberg, 1985; Rosenberg & McCullough, 1981).
On the interpretation I am offering, humanists have, for millennia, been quietly assembling and promoting a responsible, evidence-based mattering map--an alternative outlook that can serve all of us in our struggle to live meaningful lives.
To fully realize its promise, though, humanism must afford not just a guide to mattering, but the mattering itself.
The accompanying "Big Picture Mattering Map" is my attempt to capture, in brief, what centuries of patient inquiry have taught us about genuine mattering.
Individual counseling and small group counseling appear to be activities through which school counselors can integrate mattering in its most natural of forms--through counseling relationships.
Students are likely to become more engaged in the counseling process/relationship and may be more productive in counseling, show efficacious outcomes, and have a greater sense of trust and accountability when the school counselor employs techniques designed to enhance student perceptions of mattering (Dixon Rayle).
Some specific ways that school counselors can enhance mattering are (a) verbally and nonverbally attending to students; (b) demonstrating how important students are to school counselors and to the counseling process by acknowledging students' continual attendance, participation, opinions/ideas, and completion of out-of-counseling goals and homework; and (c) illustrating to students that school counselors actually rely on them for successful counseling goals and outcomes because it is up to them to apply what they are learning from their counseling experiences (Elliott et al., 2004).
Relationship mattering implies a relationship between an individual and the persons to whom he or she wants to matter (Elliott et al., 2004).
The second form of relationship mattering involves others' reliance on us.
(2004) are among the first social scientists to design and execute a comprehensive empirical validation study of mattering to others.
The hypothesized three-factor structural model of ethnic identity, acculturation, and mattering significantly predicting wellness in adolescents first was tested with all participants, then tested again separately with the minority and nonminority groups of students.
In the model for all participants (see Figure 1), statistically significant paths (p < .05) were found between mattering and wellness and acculturation and wellness.
In Figure 1, the squared multiple correlations ([R.sup.2]) predicting wellness from the three exogenous constructs, ethnic identity, acculturation, and mattering were spirituality = .07, self-direction = .85, schoolwork = .80, leisure = .43, love = .59, and friendship = .84.
