Psychologists say feeling valued is a core human need. Here's how to meet it

NPR | By Rhitu Chatterjee

Published February 15, 2026 at 8:45 AM EST

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Psychologists say that after the need for food and shelter, humans want to feel valued. But that need usually goes unmet.

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Rhitu Chatterjee

Rhitu Chatterjee is a health correspondent with NPR, with a focus on mental health. In addition to writing about the latest developments in psychology and psychiatry, she reports on the prevalence of different mental illnesses and new developments in treatments.

See stories by Rhitu Chatterjee