The Role of Psychological Needs in the Relationship Between Goals and Well-Being of Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract

Subjective well-being is defined as a cognitive evaluation of one’s life, characterized by positive emotions and as few negative emotions as possible. The role of life goals and basic psychological needs in subjective well-being is examined within the framework of Self-Determination Theory. Results generally highlight the importance of intrinsic goals that align with psychological needs, while extrinsic goals are typically considered less important, although findings in this area are not entirely consistent. In contrast to most previous studies conducted with adult participants, this research explored the relationships between goals, needs, and well-being among adolescents and young adults. The study included 1,318 participants, 61 % of whom were female, aged 15 to 25 years. Participants completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, the Basic Psychological Needs Scale, and the Aspiration Index. The results are consistent with the assumptions of Self-Determination Theory, indicating that intrinsic goals are crucial for well-being, while the role of extrinsic goals is negligible. More specifically, intrinsic goals directly contribute to life satisfaction and positive affect, and their indirect contribution via the fulfilment of psychological needs is also significant—especially in relation to reducing negative affect. The paper discusses the findings and their implications for future research and practical applications.