A New Look on the Representation and Criterion Validity of Need Fulfillment: Application of the Bifactor Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling Framework

Abstract

The present study re-investigated whether need satisfaction and frustration are better represented as two opposite ends of the same continuum or two distinct constructs through the application of the bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling (bifactor-ESEM) framework. Also, the criterion-related validity of the final representation was tested in relation to indicators of wellbeing. Using a sample of 774 participants (501 females, Mage = 27.86, SDage = 9.52), several alternative models were contrasted. The results supported the multidimensional bifactor-ESEM representation including one global factor of need fulfillment and the six specific factors being the combination of satisfaction and frustration with autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Most items tapped into meaningful specificity once the global factor was accounted for. Finally, the global factor was substantially and positively related to positive affect and negatively to negative affect. Competence satisfaction further predicted positive affect, while competence and relatedness frustration predicted negative affect.