Canadian Psychology / Psychologie canadienne, Vol 67(2), May 2026, 145-158; doi:10.1037/cap0000467
The purpose of this invited article is to examine the healing power of mattering. Mattering and its facets are described, and relevant research is cited to illustrate that mattering is double-edged; feelings of mattering are a source of strength and protection linked with well-being, but feelings of not mattering are highly deleterious, as discussed in this article by examining links with depression, loneliness, and physical health problems. Unique themes examined in this article include the psychological pain of not mattering and how it can evolve into a feeling of unbearable insignificance characterized by feeling alone and insignificant and that no one cares. The central focus is the topic of how and why mattering is fundamental and has enormous potential for healing among people with mental health and physical health problems. This article also examines who is most susceptible to the pain of not mattering and, by extension, who stands to benefit most from the healing power of mattering. These themes are explored within the context of the relevance of mattering in terms of the client–therapist relationship and the delivery of services so that people in need can feel cared for and cared about. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)