Basic psychological needs in the classroom: A literature review in elementary and middle school students

Self-Determination Theory conceptualizes basic psychological needs (BPN) for autonomy, competence and relatedness as essentials the learner to experience, maintain, promote well-being, personal growth, learning. However, evidence of its influence in classroom is still limited, especially education (ages six 14). The aim present study was perform a systematic review empirical addressing association on motivation, engagement, academic achievement elementary middle school students. A comprehensive search studies published peer-review articles (2000–2021) conducted electronic databases, from 204 retrieved, 32 met inclusion criteria. showed that all satisfaction were positively associated with intrinsic motivation engagement. In contrast, due lack methodological quality, hypothesis need influences well-being students cannot be fully supported. findings underscore role teachers supporting pupils’ needs, not only early adolescents, but also children. strength tempered by each variable studied. Further experimental research this topic should elucidate how educators can harness benefits need-supportive environment improve engagement children their communities.