An Examination of Work/Non-Work Compensatory Need Fulfillment

Abstract

Research on Self Determination Theory has demonstrated the value of psychological need fulfillment across multiple domains, even on a daily level. Research on domain interactions have demonstrated that domains can and do affect one another, also on a daily level. The present research combines these perspectives to examine daily need fulfillment across both the work and nonwork domains. 185 participants completed two surveys per day – one immediately after work, and one before bed – for one week. Surveys evaluated the extent to which participants felt their needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness were fulfilled in each domain, in addition to the extent to which participants felt satisfied with each domain. Results found a positive relationship between autonomy and relatedness fulfillment at work with their nonwork counterparts. Results also demonstrated that higher need fulfillment related to higher satisfaction within that same domain; in addition, work competence and autonomy had a significant relationship with nonwork satisfaction as well. Finally, autonomy fulfillment was found to be higher on weekends than on weekdays. Implications of these findings are discussed, along with study limitations and directions for future research.