Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Adaptation and Validation of the French Psychological Need Frustration Scale for Older Adults

  • Published:
Ageing International Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study aimed to demonstrate a significant distinction between basic psychological need frustration (BPNF) and satisfaction (BPNS) in older people. To that end, two studies were conducted. Study 1a tested the score validity and reliability of the French psychological need frustration scale for older adults (PNFS-OA) to measure BPNF for autonomy, competence and relatedness. This study involved 476 older French adults (234 women and 242 men; Mage = 75.99 years, SD = 11.7, age range = 60–98 years) and the results support the factorial validity and reliability of the PNFS-OA scores. Study 1b then examined the relationships between BPNF and a range of selected outcomes (i.e., personal growth, purpose in life, vitality, self-esteem, positive and negative affective states and depressive symptoms) controlling for BPNS. This second study involved 154 older French adults living at home (86 women and 68 men; Mage = 73.36, SD = 7.07, age range: 65–95 years). Results showed that BPNF not only made a significant contribution to the prediction of depressive symptoms (indicator of ill-being) over and above BPNS but also contributed significantly to the prediction of some indicators of well-being over and above BPNS (i.e., purpose in life and self-esteem). These results question the role of the participants’ socio-contextual environment, which would not only be a supportive but also a controlling environment for the BPN. As a whole, BPNS and BPNF provide an interesting bridge connecting both positive and pathological aspects of ageing.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. Given that results of the 3-factor 12-item correlated model were almost identical to those of the hierarchical model, the results of both models are not presented. For interested, CFA results of the 3-factor 12-item correlated model are available from the first author on request.

References

  • Altintas, E., & Guerrien, A. (2014). Profil motivationnel et bien-être psychologique dans l’âge avancé. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science/Revue canadienne des sciences du comportement, 46, 95–106. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0027239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baard, P. P., Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2004). Intrinsic need satisfaction : A motivational basis of performance and well-being in two work settings. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 34(10), 2045–2068.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bartholomew, K. J., Ntoumanis, N., Ryan, R. M., & Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C. (2011a). Psychological need thwarting in the sport context: Assessing the darker sides of athletic experience. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 33, 75–102. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.33.1.75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bartholomew, K. J., Ntoumanis, N., Ryan, R. M., Bosch, J. A., & Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C. (2011b). Self-determination theory and diminished functioning: The role of interpersonal control and psychological need thwarting. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 37, 1459–1473. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167211413125.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bartholomew, K. J., Ntoumanis, N., Cuevas, R., & Lonsdale, C. (2014). Job pressure and ill-health in physical education teachers: The mediating role of psychological need thwarting. Teaching and Teacher Education, 37, 101–107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2013.10.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bourque, P., Blanchard, L., & Vézina, J. (1990). Etude psychométrique de l’échelle de dépression gériatrique [Psychometric study of geriatric depression scale]. Canadian Journal on Aging, 9, 348–355. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0714980800007467.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, F. F. (2007). Sensitivity of goodness of fit indexes to lack of measurement invariance. In Structural equation modeling (Vol. 14, pp. 464–504). https://doi.org/10.1080/10705510701301834.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, B., Assche, J. V., Vanskeenkiste, M., Soenens, B., & Beyers, W. (2015). Does psychological need satisfaction matter when environmental of financial safety are at risk? Journal of Happiness Studies, 16, 745–766. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-014-9532-5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clark, L. A., & Watson, D. (1995). Constructing validity: Basic issues in objective scale development. Psychological Assessment, 7, 309–319. https://doi.org/10.1037/1040-3590.7.3.309.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Costa, S., Ntoumanis, N., & Bartholomew, K. J. (2014). Predicting the brighter and darker sides of interpersonal relationships: Does psychological need thwarting matter? Motivation and Emotion, 39, 11–24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-014-9427-0.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cuevas, R., Sánchez-Oliva, D., Bartholomew, K. J., Ntoumanis, N., & García-Calvo, T. (2015). Adaptation and validation of the psychological need thwarting scale in Spanish physical education teachers. Spanish Journal of Psychology, 18, E53. https://doi.org/10.1017/sjp.2015.56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Custers, A. F. J., Westerhof, G. J., Kuin, Y., Gerritsen, D. L., & Riksen-Walraven, M. (2010). Need fulfillment in caring relationships: Its relations with well-being of residents in somatic nursing homes. Aging and Mental Health, 14, 731–739. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607861003713133.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Custers, A. F. J., Westerhof, G. J., Kuin, Y., Gerritsen, D. L., & Riksen-Walraven, M. (2012). Relatedness, autonomy, and competence in the caring relationship: The perspective of nursing home residents. Journal of Aging Studies, 26, 319–326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2012.02.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. New York, NY: Plenum.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11, 227–268. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diener, E., Lucas, R. E., & Oishi, S. (2002) Subjective well-being. The science of happiness and life satisfaction. In C. R. Snyder & S. Lopez (Eds.), Handbook of positive psychology (pp. 463–473).

  • Ferrand, C., Martinent, G., & Durmaz, N. (2014). Psychological need satisfaction and well-being in adults aged 80years and older living in residential homes: Using a self-determination theory perspective. Journal of Aging Studies, 30, 104–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2014.04.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ferrand, C., Martinent, G., & Charry, A. (2015). Satisfaction of basic psychological needs, depressive symptoms and apathy among hospitalized elderly. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 47, 59–67. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037419.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gillet, N., Fouquereau, E., Lequeurre, J., Bigot, L., & Mokounokolo, R. (2012). Validation d’une échelle de frustration des besoins psychologiques au travail (EFBPT) [Validation of a scale for measuring psychological need thwarting at work (EFBPT)]. Psychologie du Travail et des Organisations, 18(4), 328–344.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gregorich, S. E. (2006). Do self-report instruments allow meaningful comparisons across diverse population groups? Testing measurement invariance using the confirmatory factor analysis framework. In Medical Care (Vol. 44, pp. S78–S94). https://doi.org/10.1097/01.mlr.0000245454.12228.8f.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Haerens, L., Aelterman, N., Vansteenkiste, M., Soenens, B., Van Petegem, S. (2015). Do perceived autonomy-supportive and controlling teaching relate to physical education students' motivational experiences through unique pathways? Distinguishing between the bright and dark side of motivation. Psychology of sport and exercise, 16, 26–36.

  • Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate data analysis (7th ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu, L., & Bentler, P. M. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling, 6, 1–55. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705519909540118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huta, V., & Ryan, R. M. (2010). Pursuing pleasure or virtue: The differential and overlapping well-being benefits of hedonic and eudaimonic motives. Journal of Happiness Studies, 11, 735–762. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-009-9171-4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jang, H., Kim, E. J., & Reeve, J. (2016). Why students become more engaged or more disengaged during the semester: A self-determination theory dual-process model. Learning and Instruction, 43, 27–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2016.01.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jöreskog, K. G., & Sörbom, D. (1993) LISREL 8: Structural equation modeling with the SIMPLIS command language. Scientific Software International.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lapierre, S., & Desrochers, C. (1997) Traduction et validation des Échelles de bien-être psychologique de Ryff. Manuscrit,Quebec, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières.

  • Li, C., Wang, C. K. J., Pyun, D. Y., & Kee, Y. H. (2013). Relationships between self-determined motivation and burnout among athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychology of Sport and Exercice, 14, 692–700. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2013.04.009.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MacCallum, R. C., & Austin, J. T. (2000). Applications of structural equation modelling in psychological research. Annual Review of Psychology, 51, 201–226. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.51.1.201.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martinent, G., Guillet-Descas, E., & Moiret, S. (2015). Reliability and validity evidence for the French psychological need thwarting scale (PNTS) scores: Significance of a distinction between thwarting and satisfaction of basic psychological needs. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 20, 29–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2015.04.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McAuley, E., Duncan, T., & Tammen, V. V. (1989). Psychometric properties of the intrinsic motivation inventory in a competitive sport setting: A confirmatory factor analysis. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 60, 48–58. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.1989.10607413.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Messick, S. (1995). Validity of psychological assessment: Validation of inferences from persons’ responses and performances as scientific inquiry into score meaning. American Psychologist., 50, 741–749. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.50.9.741.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ng, J.Y.Y., Ntoumanis, N., Thogersen-Ntoumani, C., Stott, K., Hindle, L. (2013). Predicting psychological needs and well-being of individuals engaging in weight management: the role of important others. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-being, 5, 291–310.

  • Nicolas, M., Martinent, G., & Campo, M. (2014). Evaluation of the psychometric properties of a modified positive and negative affect schedule including a direction scale (PANAS-D) among French athletes. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 15, 227–237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2014.01.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nunnally, J. C. (1978). Psychometric theory (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oishi, S., Diener, E., & Lucas, R. E. (2007). The optimum level of well-being : Can people be too happy ? Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2, 346–360. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6916.2007.00048.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Richer, F., & Vallerand, R. J. (1998) Construction et validation de l’échelle du sentiment d’appartenance sociale (ÉSAS) [construction and validation of the ÉSAS: The relatedness feelings scale]. European Review of Applied Psychology.

  • Rosenberg, M. (1965). Society and the adolescent self-image. Princeton: NJ, Princeton University.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). The darker and brighter sides of human existence: Basic psychological needs as a unifying concept. Psychological Inquiry, 11, 319–338. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_03.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2001). On happiness and human potentials: A review of research on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 141–166. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.141.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2002). An overview of self-determination theory: An organismic dialectical perspective. In E. L. Deci & R. M. Ryan (Eds.), Handbook of self-determination research (pp. 3–33). NY: University of Rochester Press, Rochester.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, R. M., & Frederick, C. M. (1997). On energy, personality and health: Subjective vitality as a dynamic reflection of well-being. Journal of Personality, 08, 1323–1334. https://doi.org/10.4236/health.2016.813133.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, R. M., Huta, V., & Deci, E. L. (2008). Living well: A self-determination theory perspective on Eudaimonia. Journal of Happiness Studies, 9, 139–170. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-006-9023-4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D., & Essex, M. J. (1992). The interpretation of life experience and well-being: The sample case of relocation. Psychology and Aging, 7, 507–517. https://doi.org/10.1037/0882-7974.7.4.507.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. H. (1998). The contours of positive human health. Psychological Inquiry, 9, 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327965pli0901_1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sheikh, J. I., & Yesavage, J. A. (1986). Geriatric depression scale (GDS): Recent evidence and development of a shorter version. In T. L. Brink (Ed.), Clinical gerontology: A guide to assessment and intervention (pp. 165–173). New York: The Haworth Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Souesme, G., Martinent, G., & Ferrand, C. (2016). Perceived autonomy support, psychological needs satisfaction, depressive symptoms and apathy in French hospitalized older people. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 65, 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2016.03.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Standage, M., Duda, J. L., & Ntoumanis, N. (2003). A model of contextual motivation in physical education: Using constructs from self-determination and achievement goal theories to predict physical activity intentions. Journal of Educational Psychology, 95, 97–110. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.95.1.97.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Unanue, W., Dittmar, H., Vignoles, V.L., Vansteenkiste, M. (2014). Materialism and well-being in the UK and Chile: basic need satisfaction and basic need frustration as underlying psychological processes. European Journal of Personality, 28, 569–585

  • Vallières, E. F., & Vallerand, R. J. (1990). Traduction et validation Canadienne-Française de l’échelle de l’estime de soi de Rosenberg [traduction and validation Canadian-French of self-esteem scale]. International Journal of Psychology, 25, 305–316. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207599008247865.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Watson, D., Clark, L. E., & Tellegen, A. (1988). Development and validation of brief measures of positive and negative affect: The PANAS scales. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 54, 1063–1070. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.54.6.1063.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Charlotte Vanhove-Meriaux.

Ethics declarations

Conflict Interest

The authors declare no conflict interest.

Informed Consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Ethical Treatment of Experimental Subjects (Animal and Human)

The study was approved by the institutional review board of the University of Tours (CERNI-TP, 2015-02-03). All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the current ethical amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Vanhove-Meriaux, C., Martinent, G. & Ferrand, C. Adaptation and Validation of the French Psychological Need Frustration Scale for Older Adults. Ageing Int 45, 99–117 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-019-09346-w

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-019-09346-w

Keywords

Navigation