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Fears and freedoms : A qualitative analysis of older adults’ basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, relatedness and beneficence
Dendle, Kelli Buys, Laurie Vine, Desley Washington, Tracy
Dendle, Kelli
Buys, Laurie
Vine, Desley
Washington, Tracy
Abstract
Objectives
Self-determination theory posits three universal psychological needs: autonomy, competence and relatedness. Beneficence has recently been proposed as an important behaviour for improved well-being and eudaimonia. This study sought to qualitatively examine older adults’ experiences of basic psychological needs satisfaction and frustration.
Methods
Three separate and simultaneous national online focus groups were undertaken over four consecutive days. Older Australians (n =103) explored home and community life. Themes were identified using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
Older adults are challenged in satisfying their psychological needs, especially around the time - and after- they retire and as mobility decreases. Beneficence emerged as important for well-being, congruent with evidence that beneficence influences well-being beyond basic psychological need fulfilment.
Conclusions
Satisfactions and frustration may manifest differently for older adults than for other groups. Thus, their experiences may not adequately be captured by self-report measures. Novel themes of ‘fears and freedoms’ were identified in the study. Fear pertained to the loss of autonomy and the freedom to spend time as one wishes.
Keywords
aging, beneficence, online focus groups, self-determination theory, well-being
Date
2022
Type
Journal article
Journal
Australasian Journal on Ageing
Book
Volume
41
Issue
2
Page Range
229-236
Article Number
ACU Department
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as green open access
License
File Access
Open
Controlled
Controlled