Abstract

Previous research suggests that the construct of meaning in life is made up of distinct yet overlapping dimensions of coherences, purpose, and mattering/significance. Of these dimensions, mattering has been the least explored. What does it mean to feel like we matter? Scholars have described two theoretically distinct forms of mattering: (a) feeling we matter existentially in the grand scheme of the universe; and (b) a sense of significance related to feeling valued at an interpersonal level. Although conceptually different, little research has explored empirical differences between these two forms of mattering. Based on an age-stratified sample of 317 adults in the U.S, the current study examined the distinct dimensions of mattering and significance and their relationships with religiosity, spirituality, and dispositional awe. As predicted, both mattering and significance were significantly positively correlated with both religiosity and spirituality, albeit in both cases stronger correlations were found for mattering than significance. Age was significantly positively correlated with both mattering and significance, whereas relationship status was only associated with significance. Contrary to prediction, spirituality did not moderate the relationship between religion and mattering nor of that between religion and significance. Dispositional awe was found to be a predictor of both mattering and significance, even when controlling for the effects of religiosity and spirituality. However contrary to prediction, awe was not a significant moderator in the relationship between spirituality and mattering. The implications of these findings for future research on mattering and significance as well as clinical implications for counselors are discussed.

First Advisor

Paul Griffin

Document Type

ETD

Date of Award

8-5-2024

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