Good Life Coherence and Psychological Need Satisfaction in Trieste, Italy: A Cross-Cultural Study of Motivation and Well-Being

This project examines student mental health using Self-Determination Theory, a well-established psychological framework, to understand how well-being and distress are shaped not only by individual experiences but also by students’ social and cultural environments. By conducting an analogous study with university students in Trieste, Italy and Montreal, Canada, the project will compare how basic psychological needs, personal goals, and perceptions of a “good life” relate to depression, anxiety, and well-being across different contexts. Regarding environmental context, particular attention will be given to environmental factors such as individualism, parental support, and views on mental health, which may operate differently across cultures and influence student mental health in distinct ways. The project will strengthen collaboration between the University of Trieste and McGill University through shared datasets, harmonized research methods, and joint scholarly outputs. For the University of Trieste, the study provides validated tools for monitoring student well-being and contributes to international research on mental health in higher education. For McGill University, it extends ongoing research into a European context, allowing for rigorous testing of the cross-cultural relevance of its models and measures.

Faculty Supervisor:

Richard Koestner

Student:

Partner:

University of Trieste

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Public Service, Policy, and Governance; Education; Other

University:

McGill University

Program: