Competence Need Fulfillment Increases Engagement: Does Individual Need Strength Moderate the Effect?

Abstract

The empirical literature on Self Determination Theory is unclear about whether individual need strength moderates and enhances the effect of basic need fulfillment on positive outcome variables. This study tested whether competence need strength moderates the effect of competence need fulfillment on engagement. A sample of 181 students was randomly assigned into three experimental conditions and their felt competence was manipulated. Results showed that the high need fulfillment group had significantly higher engagement levels than the low need fulfillment group. However, there was no evidence for a moderation effect of need strength on the relation between need fulfillment and engagement.