Journal of Applied Psychological Research

The Effectiveness of a Self-Determination Theory-based Intervention on the Perception of Well-Being in Friendship Relationships during the Emerging Adulthood Stage

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of self-determination theory-based intervention (SDTI) on increasing perceived well-being in friendship relationships at emerging adulthood. The study is a quasi-experimental design with an applied objective, experimental and control (waiting list) groups, and a follow-up. The undergraduate pupils of Mashhad universities in the spring semester of 2022-2023 comprised the statistical population. The sample consisted of 30 people (19 women and 11 men) selected using the convenience sampling method and randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Data was collected using the Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS-SL), the Perceived Relationship Quality Component (PRQC), and the Basic Empathy Scale (BES). Intervention was administered to the experimental group for eight 90-minute sessions, which were conducted twice weekly. The data were analyzed using SPSS-27 software and repeated measures MANOVA. The self-determination theory-based intervention (SDTI) demonstrated a substantial impact on the enhancement of perceived well-being in the components of friendship relationships (vitality, satisfaction, commitment, intimacy, trust, and empathy). The intervention's efficacy demonstrated a significant increase (P<0.05) during the follow-up phase. Therefore, it is possible to deduce that the self-determination theory-based intervention (SDTI) is beneficial in improving the perceived well-being of friendship relationships during emerging adulthood. Counselors at student counseling centers are advised to implement this intervention.

Keywords

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Journal of Applied Psychological Research

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 02 October 2025
  • Receive Date: 02 October 2023
  • Revise Date: 17 December 2023
  • Accept Date: 31 December 2023
  • First Publish Date: 01 August 2024
  • Publish Date: 02 October 2025