Research article summary (published 27 Feb 2007):

The role of need fulfillment in relationship functioning and well-being: a self-determination theory perspective.

Full Abstract

Self-determination theory posits 3 basic psychological needs: autonomy (feeling uncoerced in one's actions), competence (feeling capable), and relatedness (feeling connected to others). Optimal well-being results when these needs are satisfied, though this research has traditionally focused on individual well-being outcomes (e.g., E. L. Deci & R. M. Ryan, 2000). Three studies examined the role of need fulfillment in relationship functioning and well-being. Study 1 found that fulfillment of each need individually predicted both individual and relationship well-being, with relatedness being the strongest unique predictor of relationship outcomes. Study 2 found that both partners' need fulfillment uniquely predicted one's own relationship functioning and well-being. Finally, in Study 3, the authors used a diary recording procedure and tested a model in which the association between need fulfillment and relationship quality was mediated by relationship motivation. Those who experienced greater need fulfillment enjoyed better postdisagreement relationship quality primarily because of their tendency to have more intrinsic or autonomous reasons for being in their relationship. 2007 APA, all rights reserved

Author information

Author/s: Patrick, Heather (H); Knee, C Raymond (CR); Canevello, Amy (A); Lonsbary, Cynthia (C);

Affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA. Heather_Patrick(-atsign-)urmc.rochester.edu

Grants: MH61805 (Agency:NIMH NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Journal: Journal of personality and social psychology (J Pers Soc Psychol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Mar; vol 92 (issue 3) : pp 434-57

Dates: Created 2007/03/13; Completed 2007/04/20; Revised 2007/12/03;

PMID: 17352602, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent Adult Affect Attitude Conflict (Psychology) Female Humans Interpersonal Relations

Interpersonal Relations Love Male Middle Aged Personal Autonomy Personal Satisfaction Psychological Theory Self Concept

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