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Lifespan Differences in a Self Determination Theory Model of Eudaimonia: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Younger, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults

Author

Listed:
  • Corey S. Mackenzie

    (University of Manitoba)

  • Eric C. Karaoylas

    (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto)

  • Katherine B. Starzyk

    (University of Manitoba)

Abstract

Despite the myriad physical, cognitive, and social losses that are increasingly common as we age, a growing body of evidence suggests that aging is positively associated with mental health and well-being. The majority of this evidence is in the form of mental health, personality, and subjective/hedonic well-being outcomes; far less is known about lifespan differences in eudaimonic well-being. The objective of this study was to examine differences across three age groups in a relatively recent model of eudaimonia informed by self-determination theory that focuses on the process of living well, but also acknowledges outcomes of that process. In comparison to young (n = 66) and middle-aged adults (n = 66), older adults (n = 66) were especially likely to be living eudaimonically (i.e., to have intrinsic aspirations, goal autonomy, mindfulness, and basic psychological need fulfillment). The effect of age on well-being outcomes was mixed; the oldest group reported the highest levels of life satisfaction (hedonic well-being) but the lowest levels of purpose and growth (eudaimonic well-being) in comparison to their younger counterparts. As predicted by the model, basic psychological need fulfillment mediated the relationship between motivational constructs and well-being outcomes. Furthermore, the model applied equally well to younger, middle-aged, and older adults. Our results are consistent with recent theoretical models emphasizing the socioemotional benefits of aging, as well as potential challenges to well-being that exist in later life.

Suggested Citation

  • Corey S. Mackenzie & Eric C. Karaoylas & Katherine B. Starzyk, 2018. "Lifespan Differences in a Self Determination Theory Model of Eudaimonia: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Younger, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(8), pages 2465-2487, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:19:y:2018:i:8:d:10.1007_s10902-017-9932-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-017-9932-4
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    4. Li, Jing, 2023. "Longitudinal interplays between basic psychological need satisfaction and sleep among older adults in China," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 323(C).
    5. Steven A. Brieger & Anne Bäro & Giuseppe Criaco & Siri A. Terjesen, 2021. "Entrepreneurs’ age, institutions, and social value creation goals: A multi-country study," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 57(1), pages 425-453, June.
    6. Raul Antunes & Roberta Frontini & Nuno Amaro & Rogério Salvador & Rui Matos & Pedro Morouço & Ricardo Rebelo-Gonçalves, 2020. "Exploring Lifestyle Habits, Physical Activity, Anxiety and Basic Psychological Needs in a Sample of Portuguese Adults during COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-13, June.
    7. Hovi, Matti & Laamanen, Jani-Petri, 2021. "Income, aspirations and subjective well-being: International evidence," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 185(C), pages 287-302.
    8. A. Butkovic & J. Tomas & A. M. Spanic & T. Vukasovic Hlupic & D. Bratko, 2020. "Emerging Adults Versus Middle-Aged Adults: Do they Differ in Psychological Needs, Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 21(3), pages 779-798, March.
    9. Veselina P. Vracheva & Robert Moussetis & Ali Abu-Rahma, 2020. "The Mediational Role of Engagement in the Relationship Between Curiosity and Student Development: A Preliminary Study," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 21(4), pages 1529-1547, April.

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