The bidirectional relationship between basic psychological needs and meaning in life: A longitudinal study

Meaning in life is important for human functioning. Both its sources and outcomes have received much scholarly attention. Based on self-determination theory and using four waves of longitudinal data, this study examines the bidirectional relationship between the satisfaction of basic psychological needs and meaning in life. The results of the cross-lagged model indicate that the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs, namely, autonomy, competence, and relatedness, significantly increased meaning in life and was informed by prior presence of meaning in life. In summary, our findings suggest that the relationship between basic psychological needs and meaning in life is bidirectional, and this provides theoretical and practical insights related to the psychological growth of individuals.