scholarly journals Living both well and sustainably: a review of the literature, with some reflections on future research, interventions and policy

2017 ◽  
Vol 375 (2095) ◽  
pp. 20160369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Kasser
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Support ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Consumer Capitalism ◽  
Psychological Need ◽  
Demand Reduction ◽  
Prosocial Behaviours

The idea that human well-being (WB) can be supported and even enhanced by using, producing, buying, selling and consuming less ‘stuff’ is anathema to many living under consumer capitalism. Yet a growing research literature actually finds that frequent engagement in pro-ecological behaviours (PEBs) is positively correlated with personal WB. This paper reviews data relevant to three possible explanations for the apparent compatibility of PEBs and WB: (i) engaging in PEBs leads to psychological need satisfaction, which in turn causes WB; (ii) being in a good mood causes people to engage in more prosocial behaviours, including PEBs; and (iii) personal characteristics and lifestyles such as intrinsic values, mindfulness and voluntary simplicity cause both PEBs and WB. Because each explanation has some empirical support, I close by reflecting on some relevant interventions and policies that could strengthen each of these three pathways and thereby promote living both well and sustainably. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Material demand reduction’.

scholarly journals A Review of Self-Determination Theory’s Basic Psychological Needs at Work

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 1195-1229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Van den Broeck ◽  
D. Lance Ferris ◽  
Chu-Hsiang Chang ◽  
Christopher C. Rosen
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Basic Psychological Needs ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Psychological Growth ◽  
Psychological Need ◽  
Analytic Review ◽  
Antecedents And Consequences

Self-determination theory (SDT) conceptualizes basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness as innate and essential for ongoing psychological growth, internalization, and well-being. We broadly review the literature on basic psychological need satisfaction at work with three more specific aims: to test SDT’s requirement that each basic psychological need should uniquely predict psychological growth, internalization, and well-being; to test whether use of an overall need satisfaction measure is appropriate; and to test whether the scale used to assess basic psychological needs influenced our results. To this end, we conducted a meta-analytic review of 99 studies with 119 distinct samples examining the antecedents and consequences of basic need satisfaction. We conclude with recommendations for addressing issues arising from our review and also identify points for future research, including the study of need frustration and culture, integrating the basic needs with other motivation theories, and a caution regarding the measures and methods used.

The Validation of the German Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale in the Context of Mental Health

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 119-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Heissel ◽  
Anou Pietrek ◽  
Barbara Flunger ◽  
Thomas Fydrich ◽  
Michael A. Rapp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Psychological Need ◽  
Need Frustration ◽  
Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction ◽  
Psychological Need Satisfaction

Abstract. The primary aim of the current study was to examine the unique contribution of psychological need frustration and need satisfaction in the prediction of adults’ mental well-being and ill-being in a heterogeneous sample of adults ( N = 334; Mage = 43.33, SD = 32.26; 53% females). Prior to this, validity evidence was provided for the German version of the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSFS) based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT). The results of the validation analyses found the German BPNSFS to be a valid and reliable measurement. Further, structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that both need satisfaction and frustration yielded unique and opposing associations with well-being. Specifically, the dimension of psychological need frustration predicted adults’ ill-being. Future research should examine whether frustration of psychological needs is involved in the onset and maintenance of psychopathology (e.g., major depressive disorder).

scholarly journals Who Is the Successful University Student? An Analysis of Personal Resources

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea M. Stelnicki ◽  
David W. Nordstokke ◽  
Donald H. Saklofske
Keyword(s):  
Student Success ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Future Orientation ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Personal Resources ◽  
University Administrators

A number of factors have been identified in the research literature as being important for student success in university. However, the rather large body of literature contains few studies that have given students the opportunity to directly report what they believe contributes to their success as an undergraduate student. The primary purpose of this study is to explore students’ descriptions of the personal resources that they use to succeed while attempting to reach their goals as well as those personal characteristics or obstacles that keep them from reaching their goals. Prominent themes supportive of student success included having a future orientation, persistence, and executive functioning skills such as time management and organization. Results also demonstrate that stress, inadequate academic skills, and distractions are detrimental to student success in university. This study is unique in that it gathers the content data directly from the population of interest; it is one of the few qualitative studies of undergraduate students’ self-generated perceptions. Implications for university administrators and academic counsellors and directions for future research are discussed.  

Dementia friendly initiatives: A state of the science review

Dementia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 1858-1895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine A Hebert ◽  
Kezia Scales
Keyword(s):  
Interdisciplinary Collaboration ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Current Evidence Base ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
State Of The Science

Background Dementia friendly initiatives share similarities with the age-friendly movement in a focus on active engagement and creating a good quality of life for older adults. Dementia friendly initiatives offer a welcoming optimistic narrative in dementia studies by embracing dignity, empowerment, and autonomy to enable well-being throughout the dementia trajectory. Purpose The purpose of this review is to explore the current science of dementia friendly initiatives, identify gaps, and inform future research. Method Quantitative, qualitative, and conceptual/theoretical peer-reviewed dementia friendly research literature were evaluated for their current evidence base and theoretical underpinnings. Results The dementia friendly initiatives research base is primarily qualitative and descriptive focused on environmental design, dementia awareness and education, and the development of dementia friendly communities. Person-centered care principles appear in dementia friendly initiatives centered in care settings. Strong interdisciplinary collaboration is present. Research is needed to determine the effect of dementia friendly initiatives on stakeholder-driven and community-based outcomes. Due to the contextual nature of dementia, the perspective of persons with dementia should be included as dementia friendly initiatives are implemented. Theory-based studies are needed to confirm dementia friendly initiative components and support rigorous evaluation. Dementia friendly initiatives broaden the lens from which dementia is viewed.

Exploring the Relationship Between College Students’ Barriers to Exercise and Motivation

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
James W. Ball ◽  
Matthew R. Bice ◽  
Kimberly A. Maljak
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
College Students ◽  
Nontraditional Students ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
School Work ◽  
Psychological Need ◽  
Barriers To Exercise ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Demographics among college students are becoming increasingly diverse and the enrollment of students who are considered “nontraditional” is on the rise. Traditional and nontraditional students are faced with numerous physical activity barriers and increased responsibilities when it comes to balancing school, work, and physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between college students’ barriers to exercise and motivation among traditional and nontraditional students. Furthermore, the study explored the relationships between college students’ barriers to exercise and motivation among males and females. Methods: Participants (n = 217) completed the Barriers to Being Active Questionnaire, the Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise Questionnaire, and the InternationalPhysical Activity Questionnaire. Results: The study found there were no differences among motivational factors, barriers to exercise, and traditional and nontraditional students. Females in this study reported significantly higher ratings of barriers compared to males. However, they reported higher ratings in the competence construct of Self-Determination Theory as compared to males. Conclusions: The current study,revealed traditional and nontraditional students, as well as males and females, all reported the same top three barriers to exercise that include: lack of time, energy, and willpower. Understanding college students’ motivation and barriers to physical activity is an important step in developing strategies to help them enhance their health and well-being. With the help of health professionals, college students can learn howto overcome these barriers.

scholarly journals Participation in local food projects is associated with better psychological well-being: evidence from the East of England

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. e187-e197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zareen Pervez Bharucha ◽  
Netta Weinstein ◽  
Dave Watson ◽  
Steffen Boehm
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Local Food ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Standardized Measures ◽  
Psychological Need ◽  
Psychological Need Satisfaction

Abstract Background Studies suggest that local food may contribute to well-being, but do not use standardized measures, or control groups. Methods An online survey compared participants of local food initiatives (n = 302) with members of the general population (n = 157) in terms of scores on standardized measures of well-being and distress. Using hierarchical ordinary least squares regression models, we explored the relationship between participation and well-being via four mediators—nature connectedness, psychological need satisfaction, diet and physical activity. Results Participants scored higher than non-participants on life satisfaction (t(346) = 2.30, P = 0.02, ρr = 0.12) and the WEMWBS scale (t(335) = 2.12, P = 0.04, ρr = 0.10), but differences in psychological distress were insignificant. More actively engaged participants scored higher on positive well-being and longer duration participation was associated with higher life satisfaction and less psychological distress. Finally, we found that participation contributes to psychological need satisfaction, better diet and connection to nature, three known drivers of well-being. Conclusions Well-being may be a co-benefit of local food initiatives beyond the physical and psychological benefits of growing food. Further research is needed to explore the mediators driving these effects, quantify benefits, and track impacts over time and across different social groups.

Volunteer Motivation and Retention of Older Peer Walk Leaders: A 4-Month Long Investigation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlene Kritz ◽  
Nikos Ntoumanis ◽  
Barbara Mullan ◽  
Afroditi Stathi ◽  
Cecilie Thøgersen-Ntoumani
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Program Completion ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Volunteer Motivation ◽  
Psychological Need ◽  
Walking Intervention ◽  
Peer Volunteers ◽  
Volunteer Motives ◽  
Psychological Need Satisfaction

Abstract Background and Objectives Peer volunteers offer a promising avenue for promoting physical activity in older adults. However, recruiting and retaining such volunteers are challenging. We aimed to examine longitudinally factors that determine whether older volunteer walk leaders will persist in their role. Research Design and Methods We recruited older adults volunteering as walk leaders, from retirement villages in Perth, at the start of a 16-week walking intervention. Using a mixed-methods multiple case study design, informed by self-determination theory, we examined the motivational processes of three profiles: Dropouts, Completers, and Extenders. One male and 10 female (medianAge = 75 years, age range: 66–83 years) peer walk leaders were interviewed twice over 4 months, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Questionnaires provided information on volunteer characteristics, leadership confidence, and volunteer motivation. Results Self-orientated goals, obligation and guilt, emotional exhaustion, lack of psychological need satisfaction, and perceived lack of support were barriers to volunteer persistence. Social confidence and relatedness satisfaction motivated volunteers to persist until program completion (Completers). Altruistic goals, using sustainable helping strategies, psychological need satisfaction, optimism, and enjoyment were important for continuing the role after the program (Extenders). Discussion and Implications Results describe how differences in volunteer motives, personal characteristics, and training may affect motivational processes that determine persistence as an older peer walk leader. We provide suggestions on selecting, training, and supporting older volunteer walk leaders to facilitate their retention.

scholarly journals Exploring the relationship between medical student basic psychological need satisfaction, resilience, and well-being: a quantitative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Neufeld ◽  
Greg Malin
Keyword(s):  
Medical Student ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Basic Needs ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Psychological Need ◽  
Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction

Abstract Background There is increasing acknowledgment that medical training is stressful for students and can impact their well-being. An important aspect of this is self-determination and basic psychological need satisfaction. A better understanding of how medical student perceptions of the learning environment impacts their basic psychological needs for motivation, resilience, and well-being may help to create learning environments that support the needs of medical students and help them become better healthier physicians. We aim to add to the literature on this topic by examining this relationship through the lens of Self-Determination Theory. Methods A total of 400 students from all 4 years of the medical program at our institution were invited to complete an anonymous online survey, measuring basic need satisfaction/frustration (autonomy, competence, relatedness) within the learning environment, resilience, and psychological well-being. We used analysis of variance to assess the effect of gender, age, and year on all variables, with t-tests to compare subgroups. Structural equation modelling was performed to test a hypothesized model in which support of medical students’ basic needs would positively relate to their resilience and well-being. Results The response rate was 183/400 (46%). After data cleaning, 160 remained: 67 males (42%) and 93 females (58%). There were 67 first years (42%), 35 second years (22%), 30 third years (19%), and 28 fourth years (18%). The sample mean age was 25.8 years (SD = 4.1). A well-fitting model was confirmed to fit the data, χ2 = 3.15, df = 3, p = 0.369, RMSEA = 0.018, SRMR = 0.022, CFI = 0.999. Autonomy and relatedness satisfaction exerted direct effects on well-being. Competence satisfaction did so indirectly, through its direct effect on resilience. Female medical students had lower resilience scores compared to their male peers. Conclusions When medical students perceived their learning environment as supportive to their basic needs, it was associated with an increase in their psychological well-being. Satisfaction of competence, but not autonomy or relatedness, predicted an increase in their resilience. Fostering medical students’ basic needs for motivation, especially competence, is recommended to support their resilience and well-being. Further research is required to generalize these results further.

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