Brain Asymmetry and Basic Needs As Predictors of Hedonic and Eudaimonic Well-Being

This study examined prefrontal brain asymmetry and basic needs as predictors of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Hypotheses predicted that eudaimonic and hedonic well-being would be positively predicted by left prefrontal dominance and higher levels of basic need satisfaction. Methods & Design: An opportunity sample of students (N = 64; M age = 21.17, SD = 3.65; males n = 32, females n = 32) completed self-report measures of basic need satisfaction, hedonic, and eudaimonic well-being, and underwent baseline recordings of electroencephalography (EEG). A combination of methods was used to further investigations on links between neural factors and cognitive variables of need satisfaction and well-being. Results: Regression analyses revealed hedonic well-being was weakly predicted by right side dominance in frontocentral EEG activity and weak to moderately predicted by basic need satisfaction. Eudaimonic well-being was weakly predicted by right side dominance in frontocentral EEG activity and moderate to strongly predicted by basic need satisfaction. The EEG and basic needs displayed unique effects on well-being with the basic needs showing a greater influence. Conclusions: Reported satisfaction of the basic needs of competence, autonomy and relatedness show a greater influence on hedonic and particularly eudaimonic well-being compared to links with right side dominant prefrontal EEG activity. Links with brain asymmetry did not follow the expected direction and whilst links with well-being were weak relative to basic needs, more research is required to substantiate the nature and reliability of the relationship between neural factors and well-being.