General Mattering, Anti-mattering, and Depressive Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction: The concepts of mattering and anti-mattering have garnered increasing attention in recent years, especially in relation to psychological well-being. Mattering refers to the subjective sense that one is significant to others, while anti-mattering reflects feelings of being marginalized, insignificant, and invisible with respect to others. These constructs have been linked to mental health outcomes, particularly depressive symptoms. Therefore, the aim of the present meta-analysis is to examine the association between depressive symptoms and (i) general mattering and (ii) anti-mattering. Method: A keyword-based systematic literature search was performed for eligible studies in which general mattering/anti-mattering and depressive symptoms were assessed. The meta-analysis was conducted following the most updated PRISMA guidelines. Results: Thirty-nine independent samples were included in quantitative analysis. Out of these, thirty-seven assessed the association between general mattering and depressive symptoms for a total of 24,397 participants (% Women = 48.09; mean age = 20.55 ± 17.24; range = 12.30–83.50) and sixteen explored the relationship between anti-mattering and depressive symptoms for a total of 9372 participants (% Women = 49.96 %; mean age = 23.62 ± 7.60; age range = 12.03–40.06). Meta-analytic results of the random effects model showed a significant negative correlation between general mattering and depressive symptoms (Fisher's Z = −0.41; CI: −0.47, −0.36; Z = 14.85; p < 0.001)) and a significant positive association between anti-mattering and depressive symptoms (Fisher's Z = 0.67; CI: 0.58, 0.76; Z = 14.95; p < 0.001). Anti-mattering exhibited a significantly stronger (positive) association with depressive symptoms compared to general mattering. Age did not moderate these associations, while gender did. Discussion: These findings provide robust evidence for the significant relationship between both mattering and anti-mattering with depressive symptoms, also having important implications for both clinical interventions and future research.