Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction, Affect and Mental Health

Abstract

According to Self-Determination Theory, individuals differ in their satisfaction of the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Three hundred and forty participants provided information regarding their need satisfaction, affect, and mental health. Satisfaction of basic psychological needs was associated with more positive affect, less negative affect, and fewer symptoms of poor mental health. Negative affect mediated the relationship between less total satisfaction of basic needs and poor mental health. The results confirm the importance of satisfaction of psychological needs as proposed by Self-Determination Theory.