Abstract
Bourgeois, Sommer, and Bruno (2009) proposed that having an influence over others fulfills basic needs for belongingness, self-worth, control, accuracy, and meaning. Two studies solicited support for these ideas. Study 1 revealed that people high in the perceived ability to influence others reported higher levels of self-worth, control, and life meaning, and that fulfillment of these needs in turn enhanced subjective well-being. Study 2 established positive relationships between influence and belongingness, control and accuracy within the contexts of work and romantic relationships, and additionally found that meaning in these domains derived from the fulfillment of one or more of these needs. Results of path analyses provided support for models linking perceived influence to job and relationship satisfaction through increases in need fulfillment.
