Abstract
Self-Determination Theory (Deci and Ryan in Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Plenum Press, New
York, 1985) suggests that certain experiences, such as competence, are equally beneficial to everyone’s well-being (universal hypothesis),
whereas Motive Disposition Theory (McClelland in Human motivation. Scott, Foresman, Glenview, IL, 1985) predicts that some people, such as those with a high achievement motive, should benefit particularly from such experiences
(matching hypothesis). Existing research on motives as moderators of the relationship between basic need satisfaction and
positive outcomes supports both these seemingly inconsistent views. Focusing on the achievement motive, we sought to resolve
this inconsistency by considering the specificity of the outcome variables. When predicting domain-specific well-being and
flow, the achievement motive should interact with felt competence. However, when it comes to predicting general well-being
and flow, felt competence should unfold its effects without being moderated by the achievement motive. Two studies confirmed
these assumptions indicating that the universal and matching hypotheses are complementary rather than mutually exclusive.
York, 1985) suggests that certain experiences, such as competence, are equally beneficial to everyone’s well-being (universal hypothesis),
whereas Motive Disposition Theory (McClelland in Human motivation. Scott, Foresman, Glenview, IL, 1985) predicts that some people, such as those with a high achievement motive, should benefit particularly from such experiences
(matching hypothesis). Existing research on motives as moderators of the relationship between basic need satisfaction and
positive outcomes supports both these seemingly inconsistent views. Focusing on the achievement motive, we sought to resolve
this inconsistency by considering the specificity of the outcome variables. When predicting domain-specific well-being and
flow, the achievement motive should interact with felt competence. However, when it comes to predicting general well-being
and flow, felt competence should unfold its effects without being moderated by the achievement motive. Two studies confirmed
these assumptions indicating that the universal and matching hypotheses are complementary rather than mutually exclusive.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-16
- DOI 10.1007/s11031-012-9317-2
- Authors
- Julia Schüler, Department of Sport Science, University of Berne, Bremgartenstrasse 135, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
- Veronika Brandstätter, Department of Psychology, University of Zürich, Binzmühlestrasse 14/6, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
- Kennon M. Sheldon, University of Missouri, Missouri, MO, USA
- Journal Motivation and Emotion
- Online ISSN 1573-6644
- Print ISSN 0146-7239