This research comprises two studies based on Self Determination Theory. In Study 1, we translate and examine the factor structure of the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSFS; Chen, Vansteenkiste et al., 2015) in a sample of Portuguese undergraduate students. Further, in Study 2 we used an independent longitudinal sample of 12th grade students to inspect whether the six subscales differently predict adjustment over time. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that a six-factor solution best fitted the BPNSFS data. Subsequent structural equation modelling indicated that the dimensions of need satisfaction and need frustration predicted unique variance in participants’ well-being and ill-being over time, even after controlling for reciprocal and baseline effects. Taken together the findings support the 6-factor multidimensional structure of the BPNSFS and provide extensive support for the distinction between the satisfaction and frustration dimensions of needs, suggesting that they should be measured and interpreted as relatively distinct motivational constructs.

Previous research on the Balanced Measure of Psychological Needs Scale (BMPN) fitted a 5-factor structure distinguishing the three need factors of autonomy, competence and relatedness and the two method factors of need satisfaction and dissatisfaction. The current study explores the dimensionality and construct validity of the Portuguese version of the Balanced Measure of Psychological Needs (Sheldon & Hilpert, 2012) in two samples of high school students. We compared the original 5-factor model to three alternative models to assess the ability of each model to represent the factorial organization of the data. Confirmatory factor analysis yielded a good fit for solutions that separately modeled the satisfaction and frustration components of needs. The best-fitting solution of six factors, one per subscale, was supported in both high school samples, and was also shown by multigroup analysis to be invariant across gender. Regression analyses found that basic need satisfaction was related to subjective vitality and satisfaction with life (SWL) and need dissatisfaction predicted anxiety, depression and somatization. The substantive distinction between the satisfaction and frustration components of needs, and implications for educational settings, are discussed. Overall, the Portuguese BMPN appears to be reliable and valid to measure basic need satisfaction and need frustration for Portuguese high school students.

Drawing from self-determination theory, this study examines how does perceived parenting and psychological needs relate to identity development and psychosocial adjustment in Portuguese 12th-grade students ( N = 462) who prepare the transition to higher education or to the job market. Path model results revealed two distinct pathways: a “growth-oriented pathway” from need-supporting parenting to integrated career exploration, commitment-making and well-being via need satisfaction and a “vulnerability” pathway from need-thwarting parenting to both diminished well-being and ill-being through need frustration. Findings suggest that perceived parental support is a protective factor, and parental thwarting a risk factor for career decision-making, but this relation is mediated by the adolescents’ subjective feelings of psychological need satisfaction and frustration. Altogether, they suggest the need to customize interventions with adolescents to address “bright” and “dark” trajectories of identity development and establish a supportive counseling climate that facilitates the exploration of different aspects of self-environment in career transition periods.

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A critical review of a journal article is a comprehensive evaluation of the article content, formal structure and methodological approach. Success in this task, requires students to develop analytic and reflexive skills as prerequisites to identify the article´s key research question(s), relevant findings and main conclusions reached. Critical skills are also an important aspect of a student's academic and future professional lives, yet this has been a largely overlooked component of academic training. This paper aims to provide undergraduate students with a simple and straightforward set of guidelines that allow to develop a more complete understanding of research articles. The content, structure and common mistakes of research papers are addressed, along with the most relevant standards for review. With this structure, we hope students will be able to more thoroughly analyze and critically discuss the strengths and weaknesses of a research article.