An Exploration of Psychological Mattering in Youth Sport
Date Issued
May 1, 2024
Author(s)
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Advisor(s)
Jedediah E. Blanton
Additional Advisor(s)
Rebecca Zakrajsek
Adam Love
Christine E. Pacewicz
Christine Habeeb
Abstract
This dissertation aimed to synthesize existing literature on psychological mattering in adolescents and investigate its relevance within youth sport. Mattering is one's perception of being valued and adding value in social contexts. Research consistently demonstrates that increased perceptions of mattering correlate with positive self-concepts and mental health. However, limited attention has been paid to mattering among youth populations, particularly within sports. Scholars have suggested that positive relationships in youth sport play a crucial role in promoting psychosocial development and positive mental health. Despite this, mattering has not been explored as a metric to quantify relationships in sport settings.
Study 1 systematically reviewed 16 studies that measured mattering and mental health outcomes in adolescents in North America. Common measures included the general mattering scale and various mental health outcome such as self-esteem, depression, anxiety, stress, and wellness. The review highlighted significant correlations between mattering and mental health across studies, although variations in strength and direction were noted. These findings were limited, however, as the studies lacked methodological heterogeneity, large sample sizes, and longitudinal follow-up. It was concluded that there is a need for standardized measures, validation of adapted measures, and increased methodological rigor in the mattering literature.
Study 2 aimed to investigate the relationship between mattering, self-esteem, and well-being among 299 youth athletes aged 11-18 years. Results indicated that antimattering was negatively associated with all outcome measures, while mattering and its subsets (e.g., mattering to coaches and teammates) were positively associated with self-esteem and well-being. The structural model demonstrated significant direct and indirect effects, highlighting the significance antimattering has on well-being through negative changes to self-esteem. These findings suggested that mattering, self-esteem, and well-being are interconnected constructs with implications for understanding the mental health of youth athletes.
This dissertation contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between mattering, self-concept, and mental health in adolescents, particularly within the realm of youth sport. The findings offer implications for researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders involved in youth sport, underscoring the importance of fostering positive relationships and promoting a sense of mattering among young athletes.
Disciplines
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Major
Kinesiology
Embargo Date
September 9, 2026
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Name
Williams_Dissertation.pdf
Size
2.3 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
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