Explanatory Model of Psychological Well-being in the University Athletic Context

The aim of this study was to test a theoretical model that explains the psychological well-being of the participants of athletic physical activities. The model theorised the effect of mastery-approach goals, of perceived emotional intelligence, and of the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs on psychological well-being. The participants were 422 physically active university students (182 females and 240 males) with a mean age of 21.47 years (SD = 4.07). The structural equations model demonstrated that the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs mediated the mastery approach and self-esteem and partially mediated the perceived emotional intelligence and self-esteem. Emotional intelligence and self-esteem positively predicted satisfaction with life. The results are discussed in the framework of the theory of self-determination and goal achievement theory.