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Nussbaum’s Capabilities and Self-Determination Theory’s Basic Psychological Needs: Relating Some Fundamentals of Human Wellness

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Abstract

Research and theory concerning the nature and sources of well-being has been undertaken through varied approaches. Two such approaches are the capability approach and self-determination theory (SDT), both of which have postulated specific factors deemed necessary for human well-being and flourishing. In two studies we examine the relations between capabilities and well-being indicators, as well as the mediating role of basic psychological need satisfaction in these relations. Results indicate that both capabilities and SDT’s basic psychological needs are substantially associated with well-being, and that SDT’s basic needs partially mediate the relation between capabilities and indicators of wellness.

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Notes

  1. The authors also ran this model in the US sample, removing these two indicator variables, but it did not change the overall pattern of results, so the original model was retained.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology, University of Rochester, PO Box 270266, Rochester, NY, 14627-0266, USA

    Cody R. DeHaan

  2. Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

    Tadashi Hirai

  3. Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University, Strathfield, Australia

    Richard M. Ryan

Authors
  1. Cody R. DeHaan
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  2. Tadashi Hirai
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  3. Richard M. Ryan
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Correspondence to Cody R. DeHaan.

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DeHaan, C.R., Hirai, T. & Ryan, R.M. Nussbaum’s Capabilities and Self-Determination Theory’s Basic Psychological Needs: Relating Some Fundamentals of Human Wellness. J Happiness Stud 17, 2037–2049 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-015-9684-y

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