The Moderating Role of Self-Construals in the Relation From Maternal Guilt-Induction and Autonomy Support to Need Frustration

Abstract

Abundant research has shown that parental psychological control, including guilt-induction, can have detrimental effects lasting into young adulthood. Based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and specifically Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT), the current experimental study looked at the effect of parental guilt-induction and autonomy support on young adults’ need frustration. Additionally, the role of independent and interdependent self construals was examined. In total, 659 participants participated in this online experimental study (34.4% Greek, 29.7% Turkish, 17% German and 11.7% Bulgarian). Participants were randomly allocated to a vignette with one of three conditions (i.e., autonomy support, guilt induction low warmth, guilt-induction high warmth). Before and after reading the vignette, participants filled out the questionnaire. Results showed that guilt-induction predicted a higher level of need frustration, whereas autonomy support predicted less need frustration. Furthermore, the results showed no moderation of self-construal on the relations towards need frustration, which contradicts Markus and Kitayama’s model of self-construal. More research is needed to clarify these contradictions and to gain clear insights into the relations in the cultural context.