Abstract
This study investigated the relations between perceived autonomy support from three significant sources (parents, friends,
and the romantic partner) and university students’ subjective well-being (SWB) using two approaches: a variable-centered and
person-centered approach. Participants were 256 university students (191 women, 65 men) involved in a romantic relationship.
Results from both approaches revealed that students’ perception that significant individuals support their autonomy predicted
higher levels of SWB. Furthermore, results from a person-centered approach suggested that students reported the highest levels
of SWB when all sources were perceived to be highly autonomy supportive. Together, these findings support a sensitization
process of need satisfaction. Implications for SWB and self-determination theory are discussed.
and the romantic partner) and university students’ subjective well-being (SWB) using two approaches: a variable-centered and
person-centered approach. Participants were 256 university students (191 women, 65 men) involved in a romantic relationship.
Results from both approaches revealed that students’ perception that significant individuals support their autonomy predicted
higher levels of SWB. Furthermore, results from a person-centered approach suggested that students reported the highest levels
of SWB when all sources were perceived to be highly autonomy supportive. Together, these findings support a sensitization
process of need satisfaction. Implications for SWB and self-determination theory are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Research Paper
- Pages 1-18
- DOI 10.1007/s10902-012-9360-4
- Authors
- Catherine F. Ratelle, Faculté des Sciences de l’Éducation, Université Laval, Local 946, Québec, QC G1K 7P4, Canada
- Karine Simard, Faculté des Sciences de l’Éducation, Université Laval, Local 946, Québec, QC G1K 7P4, Canada
- Frédéric Guay, Faculté des Sciences de l’Éducation, Université Laval, Local 946, Québec, QC G1K 7P4, Canada
- Journal Journal of Happiness Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-7780
- Print ISSN 1389-4978