Season 6- Episode 73

Season 6- Episode 73

Season 6, Episode 73

 You DO matter! Exploring the impact of mattering in caregiving

Dr. Gordon Flett's research on mattering highlights a crucial aspect of psychological well-being, especially for caregivers. Mattering, the sense of feeling significant or valuable to others, can greatly influence one's sense of self-worth and overall mental health. For caregivers, this feeling of mattering can be self-generated, often through acts of giving and supporting others.

Dr. Flett emphasizes that by valuing oneself and acknowledging the efforts of those who provide care, individuals can foster a greater sense of hope. This not only benefits the caregiver but also enhances their resilience and adaptability, which are essential traits for managing the challenges associated with caregiving. The sense of mattering can thus play a pivotal role in sustaining motivation and emotional strength in caregiving roles.

Guest host for this webinar: Ann-Marie Kungl, CEO, Alzheimer Society-Simcoe County.

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. Dr. Flett is also known for his leadership role in knowledge mobilization and scholarship on the nature and correlates of mattering. This work includes a 2018 book on the psychology of mattering and an upcoming 2025 book on the mattering in children and adolescents.

His research on the feelings of mattering reflects a lifespan perspective and represents an extension of his work with Dr. Marnin Heisel on the well-being of older adults. Dr. Flett is also a member of the American Psychological Association and a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science (APS). APS has cited him as one of the top 25 most productive authors in psychology.

• Faculty of Health (yorku.ca) or https://health.yorku.ca/health-profiles/?mid=3719
• Canadian Research Chair: Canada Research Chair - Gordon L. Flett (chairs-chaires.gc.ca) or https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/chairholders-titulaires/profile-eng.aspx?profileId=1103

Ann-Marie Kungl is the Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County and Certified Health Executive. She is immersed in community and public service as a City of Barrie Councillor and the Board Chair of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. With over 25 years in broad health system roles, her passion is supporting dementia friendly communities, public health promotion and connecting people to meaningful opportunities that build vibrant neighbourhoods. With a background in research, and an experience with caregiving for loved ones living with dementia, Ann-Marie was eager to explore how Dr. Flett's work on mattering could apply to caregiving.

Download URL: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/3qijkk57zarzbkf6/DD_MatteringEpisode_MM2_1_aqp5g.mp3

Episode URL: https://dementiadialogue.podbean.com/e/you-do-matter-exploring-the-impact-of-mattering-in-caregiving/?token=328e03a97dc8e02ded089d5707fc2437

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