Exploring basic psychological need satisfaction and relationship quality as protective factors of mental well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic

COVID-19’s global impact on mental health has been profound. To better understand factors that mitigate effects of stress, particularly during quarantine periods, this study examined roles of basic psychological need satisfaction and relationship quality in mental well-being in the context of COVID-19-related stress. Conducted from March to May 2020, this online questionnaire research involved 805 individuals in romantic relationships (mean age = 37.88 ± 12.50 years; 70.19% female). Path analysis revealed that higher mental well-being was associated with satisfaction of basic psychological needs, positive relationship quality, and lower COVID-19-related stress. Higher autonomy satisfaction was linked to lower COVID-19-related stress, whereas increased relatedness satisfaction and better relationship quality predicted higher COVID-19-related stress. The findings implicate complex associations among basic psychological need satisfaction, relationship quality, and mental well-being. While better relationship experiences might even heighten perceived stress during a global crisis, they simultaneously function as protective factors for overall mental health.