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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature

Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature

Published on: June 19, 2019

Needs and subjective well-being around the world.

Louis Tay¹, Ed Diener

¹Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana—Champaign, IL, 61820, USA. sientay@illinois.edu

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

|June 22, 2011

Summary

Fulfilling basic, social, and autonomy needs is linked to higher subjective well-being (SWB) globally. Societal need fulfillment also boosts SWB, highlighting the importance of a flourishing society for individual happiness.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 31, 2026

Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature

Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature

Published on: June 19, 2019

Area of Science:

Psychology
Sociology
Cross-cultural studies

Background:

Subjective well-being (SWB) is a key indicator of individual and societal health.
Understanding the drivers of SWB across diverse global contexts is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the association between the fulfillment of various human needs and SWB across 123 countries.
To determine which specific needs are most strongly associated with different facets of SWB (life evaluation, positive, and negative feelings).

Main Methods:

Cross-national analysis of survey data from 123 countries.
Statistical examination of the relationship between need fulfillment and SWB components.
Control for household income to assess the robustness of findings.

Main Results:

Need fulfillment consistently correlated with SWB across regions.
Life evaluation linked to basic needs; positive feelings to social/respect needs; negative feelings to basic/respect/autonomy needs.
Societal need fulfillment predicted SWB, independent of individual fulfillment and largely independent of other needs.

Conclusions:

The fulfillment of basic, social, respect, and autonomy needs are significant predictors of SWB globally.
Living in a society that meets needs enhances individual life evaluation.
The impact of basic and safety needs fulfillment on SWB is context-dependent, varying by country.