The Impact of Need Crafting on Need-Based Experiences: Exploring the Role of Attachment Styles in Young Adults

Abstract

Emerging adulthood is a period marked by increased psychological vulnerability and the pursuit of well-being. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between need crafting – the proactive shaping of one’s environment to fulfill basic psychological needs – and need-based experiences (need satisfaction and need frustration) among Dutch emerging adults aged 18 to 29. Additionally, it tested whether attachment styles (avoidant and anxious) moderate these relationships. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a final sample of 132 participants. As expected, need crafting was positively associated with need satisfaction and negatively with need frustration, suggesting its beneficial role in supporting psychological well-being. Further, avoidant attachment was negatively related to need satisfaction, while anxious attachment was positively related to need frustration. However, no moderation effects were found for either insecure attachment style. Exploratory analyses indicated that higher levels of avoidant or anxious attachment were linked to lower engagement in need crafting. These findings suggest that need crafting is a universally beneficial strategy for enhancing need-based experiences in emerging adults, regardless of attachment style. The study contributes to a better understanding of how proactive need regulation can support well-being in emerging adulthood and emphasizes the importance of addressing attachment-related barriers in interventions. Future research should further explore how attachment insecurities impact the development and application of need crafting and investigate other potential moderators in diverse relational and cultural contexts. Targeting proactive need crafting – particularly among insecurely attached individuals – may be a promising pathway to support young adults’ wellbeing.