Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Well-Being Across Age: A Cross-Sectional General Population Study among 1709 Dutch Speaking Adults

Abstract According to self-determination theory, individual well-being is universally dependent upon the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence and relatedness. This study set out further elucidate relationship between need (BPNS) across age by (i) more closely examining distribution BPNS, (ii) investigating whether BPNS comparably associated with all ages, as predicted universality assumption, while taking into account variability in other demographic factors. A general population sample Dutch speaking adults from The Netherlands Belgium (N = 1709; M 48.6 years, SD 19.0, range 18–97) filled a cross-sectional online or paper-and-pencil survey questionnaire, providing self-reports well-being, using Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction Frustration Scale Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, respectively. Data analyses consisted initial visual inspection LOESS smoothed curve plotting, subsequent model testing multiple regression analyses. When correcting for factors, results showed positive linear autonomy satisfaction, no significant slight cubic relatedness (initial ‘peak’, followed decline ‘dip’, steady rise later ages). All needs factors were positively linked domains, associations generally comparable different thus lending support assumption theory. Despite distinct distributions, seem important maintaining sense throughout life.