The Children’s Interpersonal Mattering at School Scale: A Psychometric Exploration (Poster 17)

• In Event: AERA Promising Scholarship in Education Research: Dissertation Fellows and Their Research
  In Invited Poster Session: AERA Promising Scholarship in Education Research: Dissertation Fellows and Their Research Poster Session

Abstract

This dissertation aims to validate the Children’s Interpersonal Mattering at School Scale with an underrepresented population in mattering research, specifically elementary-aged students. Mattering refers to one's sense of significance to others, and understanding the construct is important for social, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Four hundred and fifty students from four public schools participated in the survey. Analyses relied on Rasch modeling. Results indicated that the Children’s Interpersonal Mattering at School Scale has strong psychometric properties. This dissertation allows for future studies to better understand the role of social relationships in elementary school. This dissertation also demonstrates evidence for the need to prioritize the study of mattering as a component of elementary students' overall wellbeing and academic success.

Author

• Camila Polanco, University of Delaware