Search

This research examined the construct of perceived mattering, defined as the individual perception of being important for other people, and its relationship with self-esteem and well-being. A total of 134 Italian participants (mean age = 32.10, SD = 10.58) completed a questionnaire aimed at assessing the variables of interest. Perceived mattering was found to mediate the relationship between self-esteem and well-being. Notably, perceived mattering to family and friends and self-esteem - even though significantly interrelated - were found to differently contribute to individuals' well-being. Overall, these research findings confirm that perceived mattering should receive greater attention as a relevant psychosocial construct, with significant implications for individuals' general functioning. From a practical viewpoint, besides self-esteem, interventions to improve individuals' well-being might focus on the perception of mattering, which was found to be a more direct predictor of such a positive outcome.

This article is focused on young people's perceptions about psychological help seeking for mental health issues. Males and females perspectives are investigated in order to detect if there are gender differences in seeking help when psychological problems are arising. Stigma seems to interfere with the decisional process of seeking professional help because of the feelings of shame, sense of inadequacy, and personal failure. These feelings are particularly perceived by young people, who may avoid professional help in order to preserve a positive self-image, with significant gender differences. Proposed studies, involving University of Florence, Public Mental Health Service and High School have been realized with qualitative and quantitative methods, aimed at exploring males and females' perceptions about seeking help. Results show that young males ask for help those they trust (friends and parents), and adopt self-reliance as preferred strategy, while females seem to have more confidence in mental health professionals.