Can mental health problems predict dispositional self-determination? Needs satisfaction as mediator

Abstract

Motivational self-determination and its role in relation to various health-related variables in Western countries have been the focus of many researchers. However, little is known about dispositional self-determination and the influence of mental health problems among the Chinese. We examined dispositional self-determination among Chinese first-year college students and tested whether or not mental health problems could predict self-determination through needs satisfaction. Data were collected from 496 students at 2 time periods. Results showed that there was no difference in dispositional self-determination among the various demographic groups. However, participants whose university experience met their expectations reported a higher degree of self-determination than did those who had found it did not meet their expectations. Structural equation modeling results revealed that mental health problems at Time 1 could negatively predict self-determination at Time 2. This relationship was partially mediated by needs satisfaction measured at Time 2. Practical implications and limitations are discussed.