Description

The General Mattering Scale (GMS) is a validated psychometric instrument designed to assess the extent to which individuals perceive themselves as significant, valued, and important to the people around them. The concept of mattering refers to the subjective belief that one’s presence, needs, and contributions are recognized and appreciated by others, and that one plays a meaningful role within interpersonal relationships and the broader social environment.

The GMS is widely used in psychological research because perceived mattering is considered a key protective factor for mental health, social adjustment, and overall well-being. The scale has been applied in both research and clinical settings to evaluate social connectedness, self-perception, interpersonal relationships, and psychosocial functioning across diverse populations.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the General Mattering Scale (GMS) is to measure the degree to which individuals feel that they matter to their family members, friends, colleagues, and society as a whole. Additionally, it examines how perceived mattering is associated with important psychological constructs, including self-esteem, psychological resilience, perceived social support, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and overall quality of life.

The scale is also valuable for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving social inclusion, interpersonal relationships, and emotional well-being.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

The GMS consists of 10 items that assess different dimensions of perceived mattering. The items evaluate whether individuals believe that others care about them, value their presence, appreciate their contributions, and consider them important members of their social networks.

Overall and subscale scores can be analyzed to investigate relationships between perceived mattering and variables such as:

  • Self-esteem
  • Psychological well-being
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Social isolation
  • Perceived social support
  • Life satisfaction
  • Quality of interpersonal relationships

The GMS is frequently employed in studies of positive psychology, counseling psychology, clinical psychology, social psychology, mental health, and psychosocial well-being.

Scoring

The scale is typically scored using a five-point or seven-point Likert scale, depending on the version administered, with respondents indicating their level of agreement with each statement.

Item scores are summed to obtain a total score. Higher scores indicate a stronger sense of personal significance and a greater perception of being valued and appreciated by others. Conversely, lower scores may reflect feelings of social isolation, reduced interpersonal acceptance, diminished self-worth, or a weakened sense of belonging.

References

Rosenberg, M., & McCullough, B. C. (1981). Mattering: Inferred Significance and Mental Health Among Adolescents. Research in Community & Mental Health, 2, 163–182.

Elliott, G. C., Kao, S., & Grant, A. M. (2004). Mattering: Empirical Validation of a Social-Psychological Concept. Self and Identity, 3(4), 339–354.

Flett, G. L. (2018). The Psychology of Mattering: Understanding the Human Need to Be Significant. Academic Press.

Flett, G. L., & Nepon, T. (2020). Mattering as a Vital Support for Mental Health in Times of Stress and Adversity. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment.