Life satisfaction in amateur long-distance runners: insights from the self-determination theory and the dualistic model of passion

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits of long-distance running through two prominent frameworks: the self-determination theory (SDT) and the dualistic model of passion (DMP). Specifically, we investigated the associations between the satisfaction of psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness), harmonious and obsessive passion, functional and dysfunctional psychobiosocial (PBS) states, and life satisfaction in a sample of amateur long-distance runners. Methods Using a cross-sectional survey design, data on psychological needs satisfaction, passion, PBS states, and life satisfaction were collected from 209 amateur long-distance runners participating in the Italian Run for Science (R4S) event series (2017–2019). Results Correlations and structural equation modeling results showed autonomy to be positively associated with functional PBS states and life satisfaction, and obsessive passion to be negatively associated with dysfunctional PBS states. Functional PBS states were found to mediate the relationship between autonomy and life satisfaction. Conclusion We found partial support for our predictions based on the SDT and DMP. Findings suggest that autonomy, social connections, adaptive forms of passion, and functional PBS states are important correlates of life satisfaction of amateur long-distance runners.