Mattering was one of the many psychological concepts that stood out to me during my studies. After joining Good Shepherd Services (GSS) and working with youth at the Youth-PREP Centre (YPC), I came to realise just how relevant and applicable it is in understanding young people's need to feel seen, heard, and valued. Though I have not been with GSS for long, the time I’ve spent here has already shown me the profound impact that the experience of mattering can have in a young person’s life.

The concept of mattering involves two essential elements: feeling valued and adding value to others’ lives (Prilleltensky, 2014, 2019). As Walton and Wilson (2018) put it, “People want to feel connected to others: to be accepted and included, to be valued members of social groups, and to contribute positively to the lives of others.” This desire for connection and contribution is something I see often. Whether it is during small group discussions, volunteering activities, or even casual conversations, young people light up when they feel their presence makes a difference. For some, it is being invited to share an idea. For others, it is knowing their voice has helped shape a project or decision. These moments reflect the deep human need to matter. 

In today’s world, that need is often expressed through digital culture. Young adults are drawn to influential social media personalities and purchase trending items to belong, to be seen, and to feel part of a wider or niche community. As social beings, we naturally look to connect with others. For youth aged 18 to 25, this becomes significantly important as they explore their identities and seek a sense of belonging.

Working with youth has shown me that mattering isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, it means feeling heard in a conversation. For others, it’s having a role in something bigger than themselves. When paired with fairness and opportunity, the concept of mattering plays a key role in our well-being. According to the Mattering, Wellness, and Fairness (MWF) model (Prilleltensky et al., 2023), when people experience fairness across personal, social, and community levels, it creates a space for them to feel that they matter, which in turn supports their mental and emotional well-being.

In relationships, mattering can look different depending on the context. It might be the attention you receive from a friend, or the love and support from a parent. One college student once shared with me how someone dear to him helped him through one of his lowest points in life, inspiring him to move forward with resilience. These moments remind me just how powerful it is to know that you matter to someone.

More than just a psychosocial concept, mattering can also act as a protective factor for mental health. Research shows that higher levels of mattering are linked to lower depression, reduced suicidal ideation, and higher self-esteem (Prihadi et al., 2020). Whether working with children, youth or adults, and especially those navigating difficult life circumstances, I have seen how simply helping someone feel that they matter can open a door to healing and growth. 

In reflecting on all of this, I have come to understand that mattering is not just a theory I learned in class but a daily practice. It is in how we greet the youth who walk into our centre. It is in the way we create space for their voices. And most of all, it is in reminding them that they are important, valuable and have the potential to be someone they can be proud of. With this in mind, I hope that through my work at the Youth-PREP Centre, I can continue to add value to the lives of each student I encounter, one person at a time.