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Development of Self-Determination Through the Life-Course pp 171–187Cite as

How Parents Contribute to Children’s Psychological Health: The Critical Role of Psychological Need Support

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Abstract

Although different determinants, including genetics, temperament, and a variety of social-contextual influences, play roles in young people’s development, the role of parents is paramount to healthy psychosocial adjustment. When children’s psychological needs are satisfied, children report more well-being, engage in activities with more interest and spontaneity (intrinsic motivation), more easily accept guidelines for important behaviors (internalization), display more openness in social relationships, and are more resilient when faced with adversity and distress. This chapter will focus on how parental supports or thwarts for children’s basic psychological needs either promote or diminish the children’s mental health, social adjustment, and psychological growth.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

    Bart Soenens & Maarten Vansteenkiste

  2. University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA

    Edward L. Deci

Authors
  1. Bart Soenens
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  2. Edward L. Deci
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  3. Maarten Vansteenkiste
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Correspondence to Bart Soenens .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Special Education, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA

    Michael L. Wehmeyer

  2. Special Education, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA

    Karrie A. Shogren

  3. Educational Psychology and Leadership, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA

    Todd D. Little

  4. Gallup and The Clifton Strengths School, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

    Shane J. Lopez

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Soenens, B., Deci, E.L., Vansteenkiste, M. (2017). How Parents Contribute to Children’s Psychological Health: The Critical Role of Psychological Need Support. In: Wehmeyer, M., Shogren, K., Little, T., Lopez, S. (eds) Development of Self-Determination Through the Life-Course. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-1042-6_13

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