Beneficence—the sense of prosocial impact—has recently emerged as a potential basic psychological need within Self-Determination Theory. While qualifying requires meeting comprehensive criteria, one essential test is whether the construct uniquely predicts well-being and ill-being beyond the established needs. However, research on this candidate need remains inconclusive, with few studies from non-English-speaking samples, despite the importance of cultural diversity in evaluating potential basic needs. This study (N = 347) validated the Hungarian Beneficence Satisfaction and Frustration Scales and assessed their impact on mental health. Hierarchical regression models controlling for the established needs revealed that beneficence satisfaction predicted most well-being indicators (e.g., positive affect, meaning), while its frustration predicted all ill-being indicators (e.g., depression, anxiety). While these findings alone do not confirm beneficence as a basic need, the unique associations observed in this Central European sample suggest that it remains a viable candidate warranting further cross-cultural investigation.
Lubics et al. (Tue,) studied this question.