Mattering is a psychological human need. A person matters when they are not only contributing to others, but also feeling valued for that contribution. [1] The sense of mattering can be considered in terms of mattering to the person, to other individuals, and to society at large. [2]
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Mattering is related to, but distinct from, belongingness, self-esteem, and social connection. [1] It is a core component of each person's self-concept. [3] A person's well-being depends in part upon a sense that they matter to someone. [1] People who feel like they matter have more psychological resilience. [3]
How much a person matters is partly under that person's control. [3] For example, a person who wants to increase their sense of mattering might volunteer in their community for a project that seems valuable to them. [1]
When people feel like they do not matter, they are likely to have worse mental health, [3] and they may be attracted to political ideas that increase their sense of mattering to society, such as xenophobic policies. [2]