A Test of Basic Psychological Needs Theory in a Physical-Activity-Based Program for Underserved Youth

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Basic psychological needs theory posits that autonomy support, involvement, and structure are crucial for psychological need satisfaction and well-being.
• Social relationships significantly impact youth development and mental health outcomes.
• Understanding how interpersonal characteristics influence well-being in youth programs is essential for effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the pathways of basic psychological needs theory in a youth program setting.
• To investigate if staff training in autonomy support, involvement, and structure enhances psychological need satisfaction and well-being in youth.
• To examine the relationship between observed staff behaviors, youth perceptions, and changes in well-being.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial design was employed with a physical-activity-based youth program.
• Staff (N=24) received training to manipulate autonomy support, involvement, and structure.
• Youth (N=379) perceptions of staff, psychological needs, hope, and self-worth were surveyed pre- and post-program.

Main Results:

• Staff in the intervention condition demonstrated greater observed autonomy support, involvement, and structure.
• While condition assignment did not directly alter youth perceptions, observed staff behaviors positively predicted youth perceptions of staff.
• Youth perceptions of staff positively predicted changes in their well-being.

Conclusions:

• The staff training effectively influenced staff engagement with youth.
• Autonomy support, involvement, and structure are identified as effective strategies for fostering youth well-being.
• Findings support the application of basic psychological needs theory in practical youth settings.