Exploring need crafting in enhancing well-being via need-based experiences: Emotional stability as a moderator

Abstract

This study examined the role of need crafting (the proactive engagement in activities to satisfy the psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness) in enhancing wellbeing via need satisfaction and need frustration and investigated the moderating effect of emotional stability on these mediations. Using a cross-sectional, self-report survey, a total of 167 adults (ages 18 to 35) answered the questions of the MHC-SF, BPNSNF, Need crafting, and Emotional stability scales. Results showed that need crafting is a significant predictor for well-being, both directly and indirectly through need satisfaction, supporting existing evidence and assumptions from Self Determination Theory. Need crafting did not significantly mediate the relationship between need crafting and well-being. Emotional stability was also not found to be a significant moderator for need crafting and need satisfaction and frustration. Findings of this study highlight the significance of need crafting and need satisfaction in enhancing wellbeing, regardless of individual differences in emotional stability. Need crafting may be proposed as an effective strategy in fostering well-being by individuals themselves, without having to solely rely on external mental support services to manage well-being.