The role of autonomy-supportive communication and fulfillment of psychological needs in happiness among Thai elderly
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Abstract
Given the rapid growth of the aging population, many studies have investigated ways to improve the quality of life of senior citizens. Based on self-determination theory, fulfillment of the need for autonomy, relatedness, and competence are known to be sources of psychological well-being. Therefore, interactions or activities that could fulfill such needs are expected to bring happiness. This study attempts to develop effective strategies based on the role of autonomy-supportive communication in enhancing happiness among the elderly. Using a correlational study with convenience sampling and the snowball technique, 110 Thai participants aged 60–75 were recruited online and asked to complete a set of online questionnaires to assess autonomy-supportive communication, fulfillment of psychological needs, and happiness. The results from multiple regression analysis and PROCESS showed that autonomy-supportive communication (e.g., love, caring, words of admiration) positively predicted happiness. Specifically, such a positive effect was mediated by fulfillment of the need for relatedness and competence, i.e., older people who have autonomy-supportive communication with their significant others are likely to be happier, as such communication can satisfy their psychological needs. This suggests that words that reflect the elderly’s positive relationship with others and their sense of competence could be significant sources of their happiness. The present study provides additional evidence and highlights the role of interpersonal communication in conveying a sense of relatedness and competence towards happiness for Thai seniors. Findings from this study may also contribute to social policy in generating initial guidelines for communicating with older adults.
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