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Mattering in the community: Domain and demographic differences in a US sample.
Michael P Scarpa1, Cengiz Zopluoglu2, Isaac Prilleltensky1
1School of Education and Human Development, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA.
Journal of Community Psychology
|October 6, 2021
Summary
Mattering, feeling valued and adding value, shows significant demographic differences across life domains. High income, education, and employment correlate with higher mattering, with most people reporting adding value over feeling valued.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Health Sciences
Background:
- Mattering, defined as experiences of feeling valued and adding value, is crucial in psychological and social contexts.
- Understanding demographic variations in mattering is important for targeted interventions and support.
- The recent validation of the Multidimensional Inventory of Daily Life Satisfaction (MIDLS) scale enables domain-specific mattering analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze demographic group differences in domain-specific mattering using a representative US sample.
- To investigate associations between demographic variables and mattering across self, relationships, work, and community domains.
- To explore whether individuals are more likely to report adding value or feeling valued.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a representative United States sample.
- Utilized the validated Multidimensional Inventory of Daily Life Satisfaction (MIDLS) scale to measure domain-specific mattering.
- Examined differences in mattering across demographic groups (age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, income, education, employment).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in domain-specific mattering were found across all demographic variables, despite few differences in overall mattering.
- Higher income, advanced degrees, and employment were consistently linked to increased mattering across domains.
- Individuals more frequently reported adding value than feeling valued across demographic groups and life domains.
Conclusions:
- Mattering is a multidimensional construct with significant variations across demographic groups and life domains.
- Socioeconomic and employment factors appear to be strong correlates of mattering.
- The findings provide initial insights into demographic differences in mattering within a US sample, highlighting the importance of a multidimensional approach.
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