engleski

Self-determination, happiness and somatic health

Background: The positive effects of autonomy have been established by the research under the umbrella of self-determination theory. The goal of this study was to investigate the mediating role of happiness on the relationship between self-determination and somatic health. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed. By using cluster sampling 486 subjects were selected who took part in this study. The degree of self-determination was assessed by using Personal goal measure and Perceived locus of causality inventory. Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule along with a modified version of one-item satisfaction with life scale were used for purposes of measuring happiness while somatic health was measured with Short Form-36 Health Survey physical health scales. Regression analyses have been used for analyzing the data. Findings: The results showed that the effects of self-determination on somatic health were mediated by happiness. High self-determination via high level of happiness contributes to better somatic health. When data were analyzed on the component level of happiness it has been shown that the relationship between self-determination and somatic health is mediated by negative affect. That is, high self-determination contributes to somatic health through low negative affect. Discussion: Present study indicates that happiness, which arises from development of one's potential, is the missing link between autonomous behaviors and optimal physical health. In terms of targets for intervention, practitioners may provide a choice of autonomous activities which should initiate happiness raised from self-realization, and that in turn, will initiate positive somatic activation of organism.

Self-determination, happiness, somatic health

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