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Intrinsic Need Satisfaction and Well–Being in Children and Adolescents: An Application of the Self–Determination Theory

Published Online:July 2005https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.24.2.280.62277

Abstract

Self–determination theory states that satisfaction of the needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness promotes well–being, with each need making an independent contribution to well–being. Although this prediction has been supported in studies with college students and adults, no study has examined the contribution of each need to concurrent and future levels of well–being in children and adolescents. The current study examined the relation of need satisfaction to concurrent and future levels of well–being in a sample of 331 third and seventh graders. Satisfaction of the need for autonomy was associated with concurrent positive and negative affect. Satisfaction of the need for competence was associated with concurrent positive and negative affect and depressive symptoms, as well as future levels of negative affect and depressive symptoms. Satisfaction of the need for relatedness was associated with concurrent and future levels of positive affect. These results suggest that during middle childhood and early adolescence, as at other developmental stages, satisfaction of all three needs is associated with well–being.

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