Well-being in volleyball players: Examining the contributions of independent and balanced psychological need satisfaction

ObjectivesThe purpose of this investigation was to test associations between the fulfillment of basic psychological needs and two dimensions of psychological well-being using (a) an additive model and (b) a balanced model.DesignThis study employed a non-probability based sampling and a cross-sectional design.MethodsCollegiate volleyball players (N = 219; nfemales = 127) completed a battery of self-report instruments.ResultsAligned within Basic Psychological Needs Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2002) and study hypotheses (Sheldon & Niemiec, 2006), results demonstrated that basic psychological need fulfillment was associated with psychological well-being in the context of volleyball (R2adj ranged from 0.20 to 0.35). Balanced psychological need fulfillment was generally predictive, albeit minimally, of well-being indices beyond the contributions made by perceived competence, autonomy and relatedness.ConclusionsThis investigation highlights the need for further study of BPNT in the realm of sport including assessments of balanced need satisfaction on markers of well-being.

► The fulfillment of the basic psychological needs were associated the promotion of well-being.
► Balanced need fulfillment contributed to well-being beyond individual need fulfillment.
► Implications for theory development in sport contexts.