Full Description
This book summarizes the psychological research on the concept of mattering in children and adolescents, and outcomes associated with the presence or absence of feelings of being valued by others.
"This valuable book more than meets the objectives set: to more fully understand how the concept of mattering, of feeling valued, affects one's life and life circumstances. The book aims to be a "catalyst" -- through research and attention to the voices of youth, this book offers resources and a course of action for those who can provide a message of value that is intrinsic to a fulfilled life... It fills in the gaps of even the best research on child development. Everybody who has kids, knows kids, or works with kids, read this book!" --Doody's Review, 4 stars, 96 score
Mattering, the felt experience of being valued and necessary to others, is a unique and complex psychological construct. Differences in children's sense of mattering to their family, friends, and significant others predict consequential outcomes at the individual, relationship, and societal levels.
Gordon Flett offers important, evidence-based insights from the psychological literature, drawing clear links between a lack of mattering and measures of children's depression, anxiety, suicide risk, aggression and violence. Conversely, he shows how mattering to others is reflected in measures of resilience, adaptability, motivation, and performance. Crucial links are also explored between social marginalization and mattering, and case material is used throughout the book to illustrate key points. The clinical chapters describe mental health interventions that measure and address issues related to children's sense of mattering in family, school, and community contexts.
Contents
Introduction
PART I. MATTERING: A COMPLEX CONSTRUCT
Chapter 1. Mattering as a Core Feeling and a Core Need in Children's Lives
Chapter 2. Description and Conceptualization of Mattering
Chapter 3. The Role of Mattering in Positive Youth Development
PART II. MEASURING AND INTERPRETING CHILDREN WHO FEEL LIKE THEY DON'T MATTER
Chapter 4. The Prevalence of Feelings of Not Mattering Among Youth: Documenting An Epidemic In Children and Adolescents
Chapter 5. Understanding Children Who Feel Unheard, Unseen, and Unimportant
Chapter 6. The Assessment of Mattering: Issues and Measures
PART III. THE DEVELOPMENT OF MATTERING AS A RESOURCE IN THE LIVES OF YOUTH
Chapter 7. Developmental Aspects of Mattering
Chapter 8. Mattering in Youth Happiness, Well-Being, Well-Doing, and Flourishing
Chapter 9. Mattering, Resilience, and Adaptability
Chapter 10. Social Media Use and the Need to Matter
PART IV. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Chapter 11. Mattering and Anti-Mattering in Youth Addiction and Substance Use
Chapter 12. The Need to Matter in Youth Delinquency, Aggression, and Violence
Chapter 13. Mattering and Depression in Youth
Chapter 14. Suicide in Youth and the Pain of Feeling Unimportant
PART V. PUTTING MATTERING INTO ACTION IN KEY CONTEXTS
Chapter 15. Growing Up With the Feeling of Mattering: Summary and Suggestions
References
Index
About the Author
