The Role of Psychological Needs for Autonomy, Competence, Relatedness and Money-luxury in State Authenticity
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Louise Renwick dissertation 2009.pdf (174.8Kb)
Date
03/07/2009Item status
Restricted AccessAuthor
Renwick, Louisa Catherine
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Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effects of psychological needs on states of
authenticity. Self-determination theory proposes three basic psychological needs, for
autonomy, competence and relatedness (Deci & Ryan, 1985). The theory states that
satisfaction of these basic needs leads to internalisation, integration, and feelings of
authenticity. These three needs were therefore investigated in the present study. Previous
theory and research has proposed the existence of various other psychological needs. The
fourth need examined in the study was money-luxury. This study built upon previous
research by examining needs and authenticity in state- rather than trait-terms, and by looking
at needs from a deficit perspective. Participants recalled a time in which one of the four needs
had not been satisfied. The control group recalled a house. State authenticity was measured
using a modified version of the Authenticity Scale (Wood et al., 2008) and an authenticity
bar. Trait happiness and trait need satisfaction were measured as potential control variables.
Potential mediating variables of self-esteem, self-consciousness and positive and negative
affect were also measured. Well-being was measured as a potential outcome variable. The
results were analysed using multiple regression. Absence of the needs for autonomy,
competence and relatedness resulted in lower state authenticity than absence of the moneyluxury
need. There was no difference between the three basic needs in the extent to which
they predicted variance in state authenticity. Implications of the findings, which support selfdetermination
theory, are discussed.