Basic Psychological Needs and Mental Health in Adolescents with a Mild to Borderline Intellectual Disability

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Emotional and behavioral problems are common in adolescents with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBID). Basic Psychological Needs Theory connects fulfillment of basic psychological needs (autonomy, relatedness, competence) to ill-being (mental health problems). The associations between the frustration and satisfaction of basic psychological needs and indicators of mental health problems are the subject of this study. Method Adolescents with MBID (N = 324, mean age 15.2 years), filled out questionnaires on basic psychological needs (BPNSFS-ID) and on anxiety (SCARED), depression (CDI) and aggression (Externalizing Problems scale of YSR). A subgroup of adolescents with MBID and severe behavioral problems (MBID-SBP) was compared to a general subgroup (MBID-G). Results Outcomes for adolescents with MBID-SBP were worse than for adolescents with MBID-G on most measures. BPNSFS-ID frustration was positively associated with mental health problems. Correlations for the BPNSFS-ID satisfaction scales were positive but weaker. Associations within the MBID-SBP subgroup were stronger than for the MBID-G subgroup. Discussion Frustration of BPN in particular is associated with mental health problems. Attending basic psychological needs may potentially help to counter ill-being.