During this virtual seminar, professors Bryan McCormick and Gretchen Snethen will discuss how loneliness has been asserted to be both a pandemic and a public health issue. Yet, loneliness represents a symptom of the problem of poor-quality social connections as opposed to being the root cause. One potential root cause may be understood through the concept of "mattering." Although mattering was initially identified as a psychological construct theorized to be an element of self-esteem, it can also be understood at personal, relational, and community levels. Understanding and fostering a sense of mattering at all levels has the potential to influence health outcomes.

Register to receive the link to connect: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friday-seminar-series-why-mattering-matters-to-public-health-tickets-520018648777