Psychological mattering is feeling valued and adding value to a relational context; antimattering is one`s perception of feeling insignificant to others. Despite extensive research in family, school, and community settings, mattering remains unexplored in youth sports, where relationships may influence mental health outcomes. This study (N = 299, Mage = 14.05 ± 1.94 years) examined mattering, self-esteem, and well-being in youth athletes from club sport teams using latent variable path analysis. Multiple direct pathways were significant; mattering, mattering to coaches, and mattering to teammates were positively associated with well-being, while antimattering was negatively associated with self-esteem. Significant indirect associations were observed for antimattering, explaining emotional (ß = -0.25, 95% CI [-0.41, -0.14]), social (ß = -0.16, 95% CI [-0.31, -0.06]), and psychological (ß = -0.27, 95% CI [-0.43, -0.16]) well-being through self-esteem. Findings highlighted mattering and self-esteem as key contributors to youth athletes` well-being. Future research should examine how sport environments shape mattering to better support athletes` mental health.
© Copyright 2026 Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology. Human Kinetics. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.