Do I matter? Construct validation of adolescents' perceived mattering to parents and friends

Although the perception of mattering to others has been described as important for psychosocial well-being (Coopersmith, 1967; Rosenberg, 1985), very little attention has been given to the empirical study, measurement, and evaluation of this construct. The present project employed Loevinger's (1957) three-component model for construct validation to examine the construct validity of perceived mattering to mothers, fathers, and friends. Findings provide support for theoretical inferences about the characteristics of perceived mattering. For example, purpose for life and a sense of relatedness are positively associated with perceived mattering and perceived mattering appears to be a distinct construct from global self-esteem