The Relationship of Self-Determination and Self-Construal on College Adjustment

This study investigated the interplay between self-construal (individualistic vs. collectivistic), basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness), and college adjustment among a diverse student population. Contrary to expectations, self-construal did not directly predict overall adjustment. However, horizontal individualism (valuing personal achievement over group success) was negatively associated with adjustment. Supporting self-determination theory (SDT), all three basic psychological needs were positively correlated with all three domains of college adjustment (academic, social, and psychological). The strongest correlations were between relatedness and social functioning, and competence and social functioning. Racial differences in adjustment could not be examined due to sample limitations. Interaction effects between self-construal and basic needs on adjustment were partially supported, suggesting complex interplay. This study highlights the importance of basic psychological needs and the need for further research to understand how self-construal interacts with environmental factors (e.g., university climate) to influence college adjustment.