Vansteenkiste & Ryan (2013) – On psychological growth and vulnerability: Need satisfaction and need frustration as a unifying principle
View the publicationShort summary
The authors introduce a sharp distinction between need satisfaction and need frustration. While need satisfaction is associated with well-being and growth, need frustration is associated with vulnerability, defensiveness, and psychopathology.
Methodology
Theoretical article based on the integration of empirical research within clinical and social psychology.
Key findings
Need frustration is not a neutral absence of fulfillment, but an active undermining of basic psychological needs. This predicts unique negative outcomes such as stress, rigidity, and reduced self-regulation.
Practical implication for leadership
Preventing need frustration is at least as important as fostering need fulfillment. Controlling leadership can cause active damage rather than just reduce motivation.
Meaning of INR
Within the INR framework, this publication supports the distinction between constructive and undermining contextual influences. Within the Narrative framework, need frustration implies that behavior stems from defensive or controlled regulation, which influences the self-narrative regarding autonomy and effectiveness.