General Need for Autonomy and Subjective Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis of Studies in the US and East Asia

Shi Yu (), Chantal Levesque-Bristol and Yukiko Maeda
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Shi Yu: Purdue University
Chantal Levesque-Bristol: Purdue University
Yukiko Maeda: Purdue University

Journal of Happiness Studies, 2018, vol. 19, issue 6, No 16, 1863-1882

Abstract: Abstract Self-determination theory proposes that human beings have universal basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, which when satisfied lead to well-being. The current meta-analysis synthesized the correlations between the need for autonomy and subjective well-being. More specifically, because some researchers have questioned the role of autonomy in well-being in non-Western cultures, our meta-analysis focused on the results reported from studies conducted in the United States (US, a typical individualist culture) and East Asian countries (typical collectivist cultures). Random-effects analyses using 36 independent samples (22 from the US and 14 from East Asian samples including China and Japan) totaling 12,906 participants showed a moderate correlation (r = .46, p .05). Overall, this study lends support to self-determination theory’s proposition that autonomy is a universal psychological need and provides suggestions for cultural practices and policies.

Keywords: Autonomy; Self-determination theory; Subjective well-being; Basic psychological needs; Culture; Happiness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1007/s10902-017-9898-2

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