Assessing Psychological Need States at Work: Validation of the Swedish PNSW-S

Research on basic psychological needs at work has traditionally focused on autonomy, competence, and relatedness satisfaction, with growing attention to need frustration and unfulfillment. Addressing the need to expand this research in workplace settings, this study aims to validate the Psychological Need States at Work Scale (PNSW-S) among Swedish employees. Data from a sample of 325 workers (64.6% women, aged 18–67) were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), bifactor CFA (B-CFA), and bifactor ESEM (B-ESEM). The nine-factor ESEM model demonstrated superior fit and conceptual alignment with Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and prior research supporting the construct validity of the Swedish PNSW-S. Tests of criterion validity indicated that the satisfaction, frustration, and unfulfillment of psychological needs have distinct relationships with key work outcomes (turnover intention, job satisfaction, job performance, and absenteeism). These results support the practical utility of a tool allowing to jointly assess all three need states in organizational settings: it enables a nuanced assessment of employee psychological experiences that are linked to important individual and organizational outcomes. Results from employee surveys using this instrument may be leveraged by organizations to implement evidence-based interventions that foster well-being, reduce turnover, and promote healthier, more productive work environments.