Basic need satisfaction and identity formation: Bridging self-determination theory and process-oriented identity research.

Abstract

The fulfillment of the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness as postulated within self-determination theory was hypothesized to play an energizing role in identity formation, conceptualized as multiple dimensions of exploration and commitment. Two studies among high school and college students (N ϭ 714) were conducted to investigate (a) the cross-sectional relationships between need satisfaction and the identity dimensions and (b) the direction of effects using cross-lagged analyses. Three competing longitudinal models were tested: a need satisfaction main-effects model, an identity main-effects model, and a reciprocal effects model. All 3 needs had meaningful relationships with the identity dimensions, and, although there was a predominance of paths from the needs to the identity dimensions, the reciprocal effects model received most support. Further, identity statuses (representing multivariate combinations of the identity dimensions) were meaningfully related to satisfaction of the 3 needs, with identity achievement scoring highest on all 3 indices of need satisfaction. Suggestions for future research and counseling implications are discussed.

When Is Identity Congruent with the Self? A Self-Determination Theory Perspective

“…Finally, Luyckx et al (2009) found that global need satisfaction did not only predict identity construction prospectively but was also significantly predicted by some of the identity construction variables. Exploration in breadth, for instance, was found to predict increasing levels of global need satisfaction, supporting the idea that exploration increases the likelihood of making need-satisfying identity choices.…”

“…In a more direct examination of the idea that basic need satisfaction fosters adaptive identity construction processes, Luyckx et al (2009) found positive associations between a measure of satisfaction of the three needs and commitment making, identification with commitment, and exploration (both in depth and in breadth). Satisfaction of the three needs related negatively to ruminative exploration, a type of exploration characterized by repetitive and excessive brooding typically resulting in a lack of firm commitments (see Luyckx, Schwartz, Goossens, Beyers, & Missotten, this volume).…”

“…It is assumed that, the more exploratory behaviors and identity commitments are undergirded by autonomous and well-internalized (relative to controlled) motives, the more these behaviors and commitments will satisfy the basic needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, which, in turn, will foster well-being and adjustment (Luyckx, Vansteenkiste, Goossens, & Duriez, 2009). Specifically, individuals with autonomous (rather than controlled) commitments are likely to experience a greater sense of psychological freedom in carrying out identity-relevant activities, become more skilled at them, and get more social support from others while engaging in them.…”

“…The concepts of self and basic need satisfaction help to answer these questions. In SDT, the self is viewed as a source of energy and growth that, ideally, provides individuals with opportunities to use increasingly sophisticated strategies of self-regulation, including strategies of identity construction (Luyckx et al, 2009;Ryan & Deci, 2003). When people's basic psychological needs are satisfied, they would have the vitality and energy necessary to engage in identity construction strategies.…”

On psychological growth and vulnerability: Basic psychological need satisfaction and need frustration as a unifying principle.

“…For example, need satisfaction has been found to predict a smoother identity development (Luyckx, Vansteenkiste, Goossens, & Duriez, 2009). Further, interactions in which helpers displayed an autonomous motivation for helping predicted greater feelings of gratitude (Weinstein, DeHaan, & Ryan, 2010 Reeve & Tseng, 2011b) the association between need satisfaction and enhanced engagement has been well documented.…”