Cited by 454Motivation and Self-Concept in SportsPsychological Well-being and Life SatisfactionHuman Behavior and Motivation

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It's not just the amount that counts: Balanced need-satisfaction also affects well-being

Sheldon, Kennon M., Niemiec, Christopher P.·2006·Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

DOI 10.1037/0022-3514.91.2.331

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Abstract

The basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness have been found to have unique additive effects on psychological well-being (see E. L. Deci & R. M. Ryan, 2000). In the present study, the authors extended these findings by examining whether the balance in the satisfaction of these 3 needs is also important. The results of 4 studies showed that people who experienced balanced need satisfaction reported higher well-being than those with the same sum score who reported greater variability in need satisfaction. This finding emerged for multiple measures of needs and adjustment and was independent of neuroticism. Moreover, results were obtained consistently across concurrent, prospective, daily diary, and observer-report study designs. Discussion focuses on the psychological meaning and functional implications of balanced need satisfaction.

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Authors: Sheldon, K. M., & Niemiec, C. P.
Affiliations: University of Missouri (US)
University of Rochester (US)
ORCID: Sheldon, Kennon M.
Niemiec, Christopher P.
Venue: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Published: 2006-08
Volume: 91
Issue: 2
Pages: 331-341
ISSN: 0022-3514 (ISSN-L)
1939-1315
DOI: 10.1037/0022-3514.91.2.331
OpenAlex: W2021791208
Cited by: 454
References: 84
Citations by year: 2026: 19 · 2025: 30 · 2024: 21 · 2023: 28 · 2022: 29 · 2021: 34 · 2020: 33 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 21 · 2017: 21 · 2016: 20 · 2015: 28 · 2014: 19 · 2013: 21 · 2012: 29
FWCI: 15.56
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Human Behavior and Motivation
Keywords: basic psychological needs, need satisfaction, psychological well-being, autonomy, competence, relatedness, self-determination theory, daily diary
MeSH terms: Female, Humans, Male, Personal Satisfaction, Quality of Life, Surveys and Questionnaires

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It's not just the amount that counts: Balanced need-satisfaction also affects well-being

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