Individual resilience as an antecedent of basic psychological needs fulfillment among Italian healthcare professionals

PurposeBasic psychological needs (i.e. autonomy, competence and relatedness) are strongly linked to well-being, motivation and engagement. However, there is limited research detailing which antecedents most effectively promote the satisfaction of these needs. This study investigates the role of individual resilience as a personal factor that may be associated with the fulfillment of basic psychological needs in the healthcare context.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on conservation of resources and self-determination theories, this study employs a cross-sectional survey administered to 91 Italian healthcare professionals working in Family Counseling Centers. Validated scales from the literature were used to assess both individual resilience and basic psychological needs satisfaction. Data were analyzed using hierarchical regression analyses to evaluate the associational role of individual resilience in need fulfillment.FindingsThe results suggest that individual resilience is positively associated with the satisfaction of autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs among healthcare professionals. Healthcare workers with higher resilience tend to report greater fulfillment of basic psychological needs, which is consistent with theoretical expectations regarding motivation, emotional stability and well-being at work.Originality/valuePrevious research has predominantly focused on the outcomes associated with basic psychological needs satisfaction, such as enhanced well-being, increased motivation and improved performance. While antecedents have often been examined at the organizational and relational levels, this study is among the first to empirically explore the role of individual resilience as a potential antecedent within the healthcare sector. By identifying how personal resources may relate to psychological need satisfaction, this work provides practical insights to inform interventions aimed at supporting healthcare professionals' motivation and resilience.