Authenticity, volition and motivational persistence predicting well-being : a self-determination theoretical perspective

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate a mediation model explaining the adults’ well-being. The prediction power of authenticity, motivational persistence, volitional processes of well-being, and the satisfaction of autonomy, relatedness, and competence as mediators in those relationships were examined. To date, most studies have investigated the relationship between motivational processes and well-bein in Western and individualistic cultures. Considering that cultural orientation is a potential factor that affects well-being, we tested the link between motivational processes, need satisfaction, and well-being in a collectivistic, non-Western Romanian sample. Participants were 850 adults from the general population (51.50% female; Mage = 31.18 years). The results showed that authenticity, motivational persistence, and volitional processes are significant predictors of well-being. Also, this study showed that some of the decoding keys of those three positive relationships were autonomy, relatedness, and competence from self-determination theory. These results extend the current knowledge about determinants involved in well-being and self-determination theory impact. At the end of the study, the implications of the findings, the limits of the present study, and future research suggestions are discussed.