Run Your Life Show With Andy Vasily #267: The Psychology of Mattering with Dr. Gordon Flett
In this episode, Andy Vasily interviews Dr. Gordon Flett, a distinguished psychologist from York University and author of "The Psychology of Mattering." The conversation explores the concept of mattering—feeling valued and significant in others' lives—and how it differs from self-esteem. Dr. Flett draws from his 30 years of research to explain how mattering plays a crucial role in preventing depression, suicide, and antisocial behaviors.
Drawing from both personal experiences and academic research, Dr. Flett discusses how parents, teachers, and leaders can create environments where people feel genuinely valued. He emphasizes the strong correlation between mattering and hope, explaining how feeling significant helps combat hopelessness. The episode offers valuable insights for parents, educators, coaches, and leaders on fostering a sense of mattering in their respective settings.
We conclude with practical resources on mattering, which listeners can access through the show notes, along with Dr. Flett's contact information for those interested in learning more about his work.
Dr. Flett's Bio:
Gordon L. Flett, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Psychology at York University in Toronto, Canada, where he has held a Canada Research Chair in Personality & Health. He is also the former Associate Dean of Research and former Director of the LaMarsh Centre for Child and Youth Research in the Faculty of Health at York University. Currently, Dr. Flett is an Associate Editor of the APA journal Canadian Psychology.
Dr. Flett is recognized globally for his seminal contributions to research and theory on the role of perfectionism in mental and physical health. This work includes the 2022 APA book on perfectionism in childhood and adolescents. Dr. Flett is also known for his leading role and many journal articles and knowledge mobilization activities on the nature and correlates of mattering. His 2018 book on the psychology of mattering is the first complete book of the mattering construct. Dr. Flett is also a member of the APA and Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, which has cited him as one of the top 25 most productive authors in psychology.
Connect with Dr. Flett:
Email: gflett@yorku.ca
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Free Access Articles Written by Dr. Flett
Aging and Feeling Valued Versus Expendable During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond
An Introduction, Review, and Conceptual Analysis of Mattering as an Essential Construct and an Essential Way of Life
The Anti-Mattering Scale: Development, Psychometric Properties and Associations With Well-Being and Distress Measures in Adolescents and Emerging Adults
In-Person Versus Online Learning in Relation to Students’ Perceptions of Mattering During COVID-19
Addtional Articles Written About Dr. Flett's Work:
Do You ‘Matter’ to Others? The Answer Could Predict Your Mental Health
Why We Need to Feel Like We Matter