Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

Loneliness Assuaged: Eye-Tracking an Audience Watching Barrage Videos
Published on: May 29, 2020
Basic psychological needs satisfaction and frustration forming five profiles with associations to loneliness and
Natalia Maja Józefacka1, Ewa Gruszczyńska2, Dorota Mierzejewska-Floreani2
1SWPS University, Institute of Psychology, Health & Coping Research Group, Warsaw, Poland. njozefacka@swps.edu.pl.
Abstract:
Grounded in self-determination theory, this study aimed to (1) identify distinct profiles of basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration (BPNSF) and (2) examine associations of loneliness, relationship status, age, and gender with profile assignment. An online survey was conducted with a diverse nonclinical adult sample (N = 383; 54.5% women; aged 18-75) using the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale and the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Latent profile analysis revealed five BPNSFS profiles, including an Average profile. Two congruent profiles emerged: Need Fulfillment (high satisfaction, low frustration) and Need Unfulfillment (low satisfaction, high frustration). Two mixed profiles were also identified: Frustrated Competence & Autonomy (high relatedness satisfaction alongside frustration in competence and autonomy) and Frustrated Relatedness (elevated relatedness frustration with moderate satisfaction in competence and autonomy). Regarding covariates, associations with the Average and mixed profiles were weaker than those observed for the congruent profiles. Loneliness was most strongly linked to the Need Unfulfillment profile, with this association moderated by gender (stronger for women) and by relationship status (stronger for single participants). Findings support the independence of need satisfaction and frustration as dimensions of psychological need fulfillment, confirm two robust congruent profiles, and indicate weaker associations within mixed profiles.
Related Concept Videos
Importance of Need for Affiliation
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Maslow's Theory of Basic Human Needs
Physiological needs such as hunger, thirst, sex, physical comfort, and survival are at the bottom of the pyramid. These are the components that are necessary to sustain life. Once the first level of needs has been met, the second level arises.
Safety needs include stability and predictability. Protection and freedom from danger are all a part of...
Maslow's Need Hierarchy Theory
At the pyramid's base are physiological needs, including food, water, and shelter — essentials for...
Need for Self-Esteem
Maslow's Humanistic Approach on Personality
