B3953 - The Effects of Parenthood on Feelings of Competence Autonomy and Relatedness - 27/01/2022
Self-determination theory states that humans have three Basic Psychological Needs: competence, autonomy and relatedness. These needs are associated with motivation and self-regulation. When the needs are satisfied humans experience optimum well-being, so psychological need satisfaction is very important. This project will examine how parenthood effects competence, autonomy and relatedness. Becoming a parent is a life changing event and causes many changes to lifestyle and well-being so this project will investigate how the Basic Psychological Needs are affected by parenthood. There is limited previous literature which investigates this. Additionally, it will be explored how the effect is different for mothers and fathers. Several other exploratory questions will be assessed to investigate how the effect of parenthood on the Basic Psychological Needs is linked to other variables such as well-being, education level and relationship status.