University students' need satisfaction trajectories: A growth mixture analysis

Abstract

This study examines trajectory profiles of University students over the course of a University semester defined based on global levels of psychological need satisfaction, as proposed by self-determination theory (SDT). This study also documents the implications of these trajectories for a variety of educational outcomes. A sample of 461 first-year undergraduates completed all measures three times over the course of a University semester. Longitudinal growth mixture analyses (GMA) revealed three distinct need satisfaction trajectories (Low-Decreasing, Moderate-Decreasing, and Moderate-Increasing). The Moderate-Increasing profile was associated with the highest levels of positive affect and effort. In contrast, the Low-Decreasing profile was associated with lower levels of positive affect, effort, and achievement, and higher levels of negative affect than the Moderate-Increasing profile.