Role of Need-Supportive Family Behaviours on Purpose in Life and Depressive Feelings of French Older People: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective

Grounded in a self-determination theory framework, this study aimed to examine the relationships between satisfaction and frustration of basic psychological needs (BPN), need-supportive family behaviours, social support, purpose in life, and depressive feelings among older people living at home. We used a partial least squares path modelling approach among 118 older people living at home (Mage = 74.42 + 8.96). Results showed that: (1) Availability of social support and family support for competence negatively predicted BPN frustration significantly; (2) family support for autonomy and competence positively predicted BPN satisfaction significantly; (3) BPN satisfaction for competence positively predicted purpose in life significantly; and (4) BPN frustration for competence and relatedness positively predicted depressive feelings significantly and negatively predicted purpose in life significantly. This study provided evidence for broadening the concept of social support by taking into account need-supportive family behaviours when one wants to study well- and ill-being in older people.