psychological needs theory

Psychological needs theory suggests that humans have fundamental mental and emotional needs essential for well-being and personal growth. These include the need for competence (feeling effective and capable), relatedness (feeling connected and understood by others), and autonomy (having control over one's choices). When these needs are met, individuals are more motivated, satisfied, and able to thrive; when unmet, they may experience frustration, decreased motivation, or emotional distress. The theory emphasizes that satisfying these core needs is key to psychological health and overall fulfillment.