Need satisfaction and need frustration as distinct and potentially co-occurring constructs: Need profiles examined in physical education and sport

We explored the combined relationships between need satisfaction and need frustration and their simultaneous associations with motivation, well-being, and ill-being. Data from two cross-sectional samples that represent different physical activity contexts, physical education (N = 274; Mage = 14.18 ± 1.42 years) and leisure-time sport (N = 160; Mage = 22.98 ± 8.79 years), are reported. The identification of distinctive subgroups (need profiles) which had unique associations with motivation, well-being, and ill-being provided evidence for the distinct, yet co-occurring nature of need satisfaction and need frustration and the asymmetrical relationship between need satisfaction and need frustration. Our results suggest that experiencing need satisfaction without need frustration was the most adaptive need profile. Experiences of need satisfaction partly countered the effects of need frustration on motivation, well-being, and ill-being. The current study enhances our understanding of people’s psychological need experiences, motivation, and psychological health though highlighting the importance of examining need satisfaction and need frustration in combination rather than isolation.