According to expectancy-value theories, increasing the utility value of a learning activity should result in higher motivation and better learning. In contrast, self-determination theory posits that the content of the future goals (intrinsic vs. extrinsic) that enhance the utility value of the learning activity needs to be considered as well. Contrast-cell analyses of an experimental study showed that double goal framing (intrinsic plus extrinsic) facilitated a mastery orientation, performance, and persistence and decreased a performance-approach orientation compared with extrinsic goal framing. However, double goal framing resulted in a less optimal pattern of outcomes compared with intrinsic goal framing, suggesting that the content of the provided goals matters. Goal content effects on both performance and persistence were fully mediated by mastery orientation.

This research comprises two studies based on Self Determination Theory. In Study 1, we translate and examine the factor structure of the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSFS; Chen, Vansteenkiste et al., 2015) in a sample of Portuguese undergraduate students. Further, in Study 2 we used an independent longitudinal sample of 12th grade students to inspect whether the six subscales differently predict adjustment over time. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that a six-factor solution best fitted the BPNSFS data. Subsequent structural equation modelling indicated that the dimensions of need satisfaction and need frustration predicted unique variance in participants’ well-being and ill-being over time, even after controlling for reciprocal and baseline effects. Taken together the findings support the 6-factor multidimensional structure of the BPNSFS and provide extensive support for the distinction between the satisfaction and frustration dimensions of needs, suggesting that they should be measured and interpreted as relatively distinct motivational constructs.

Previous research on the Balanced Measure of Psychological Needs Scale (BMPN) fitted a 5-factor structure distinguishing the three need factors of autonomy, competence and relatedness and the two method factors of need satisfaction and dissatisfaction. The current study explores the dimensionality and construct validity of the Portuguese version of the Balanced Measure of Psychological Needs (Sheldon & Hilpert, 2012) in two samples of high school students. We compared the original 5-factor model to three alternative models to assess the ability of each model to represent the factorial organization of the data. Confirmatory factor analysis yielded a good fit for solutions that separately modeled the satisfaction and frustration components of needs. The best-fitting solution of six factors, one per subscale, was supported in both high school samples, and was also shown by multigroup analysis to be invariant across gender. Regression analyses found that basic need satisfaction was related to subjective vitality and satisfaction with life (SWL) and need dissatisfaction predicted anxiety, depression and somatization. The substantive distinction between the satisfaction and frustration components of needs, and implications for educational settings, are discussed. Overall, the Portuguese BMPN appears to be reliable and valid to measure basic need satisfaction and need frustration for Portuguese high school students.

The present study examined the role of parenting styles and basic psychological needs in the adoption of goals and aspirations of learners, as well as for their psychological wellbeing (positive versus negative affect) in a South African sample of learners. A cross-sectional design was used to conduct this study with a sample of 853 learners at public schools in the Western Cape of South Africa (females = 57%, mean age 16.96 years, SD = 1.12). Data were collected using the Parenting Style and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ), Psychological Needs Scale, Aspiration Index and the Positive And Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). The results suggest that authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles influence the adoption of life goals and psychological wellbeing of adolescents with fathers' negative parenting possibly reducing adolescent wellbeing. Extrinsic life goals was a significant predictor of positive affect, while need frustration was a significant predictor of negative affect. These findings suggest parenting styles and basic psychological needs influence life aspirations and psychological wellbeing of learners in a developing country context.