Psychological needs as basic motives, not just experiential requirements.
Self-determination theory (SDT) posits 3 evolved psychological needs, for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Considerable research has established that all 3 experiences are important for well-being. However, no SDT research has examined whether unmet needs have motivational force, an important criterion for establishing that certain experiences are indeed basic needs and motives (R. F. Baumeister & M. R. Leary, 1995). Three studies, using cross-sectional, experimental, and longitudinal methodologies, supply evidence that felt deficits in autonomy, competence, and relatedness arouse corresponding desires to acquire the missing experiences. However, a positive surfeit of felt-need satisfaction did not predict reduced desires for the corresponding needs. Implications for homeostatic, evolutionary, and humanistic perspectives upon basic psychological needs are discussed.
Sheldon
Kennon M
KM
Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, MO 65211, USA. sheldonk@missouri.edu
Gunz
Alexander
A
D000328:Adult; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008923:Missouri; D009042:Motivation; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012649:Self Concept; D012931:Social Environment; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult