The Relationship between Sense of Mattering, Stigma, and Recovery: An Empirical Study of Clubhouse Participants in the U.S. Midwest

Individuals who experience a sense of mattering are more likely to experience higher levels of psychosocial well-being. Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) often experience ostracism and social rejection rather than a sense of mattering, partly due to the stigma associated with SMI. Examining sense of mattering as a component of social support is a contribution of this study. Clubhouses provide support and assistance to individuals with SMI. The clubhouse program provides an intentional environment that creates a sense of community and offers an opportunity to develop sense of mattering, build skills, and develop peer relationships, which promotes recovery. A sample of 143 clubhouse members from 10 clubhouses participated in interviews about experiences of being a clubhouse member; perceptions of sense of mattering, stigma, and recovery. Results confirmed a sense of mattering is predictive of a subjective recovery. Individuals that experience a greater sense of mattering experienced less perceived stigma. *This study is part of a Dissertation completed by the first author to fulfill requirements for a Doctorate in Philosophy in Educational Psychology at Wayne State University.