A Lifespan Perspective on the Importance of the Basic Psychological Needs for Psychosocial Development

Abstract

Abstract According to self-determination theory (SDT), people have a natural propensity to develop toward higher levels of psychosocial maturity. This growth tendency requires ongoing support for the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Using Erikson’s theory as an organizing framework, this chapter provides an overview of SDT-based developmental research on the role of psychological need satisfaction in psychosocial adjustment across the lifespan. This research increasingly shows that psychological need satisfaction contributes to age-specific and cumulative psychosocial strengths in every stage of human life. Although support for the basic psychological needs (e.g., by attachment figures) is crucial throughout the lifespan, the specific manifestations of contextual need support differ somewhat depending on individuals’ developmental stage. Moreover, as they age, people increasingly contribute in proactive ways to their own need-based experiences. Ultimately, satisfaction of the basic psychological needs and contextual need support represent essential resources for people to tackle developmental challenges and to experience psychosocial growth.