Measures satisfaction of the three universal psychological needs posited by Self-Determination Theory (SDT): Autonomy (feeling that one's actions are self-chosen and volitional), Competence (feeling effective and capable in one's activities), and Relatedness (feeling connected to and cared for by important others). Basic need satisfaction is SDT's central explanatory mechanism for psychological wellbeing, intrinsic motivation, and flourishing — when these three needs are satisfied, people function optimally and experience vitality and wellbeing; when thwarted, they experience ill-being and controlled motivation. The BPNS is adapted from Ilardi, Leone, Kasser & Ryan (1993) for general life contexts and is the most widely used general-context needs satisfaction scale in SDT research. Foundational to research on employee wellbeing, consumer autonomy, healthcare self-management, and educational motivation.
Gagné, M. (2003). The role of autonomy support and autonomy orientation in prosocial behavior engagement. Motivation and Emotion, 27(3), 199–223.
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