Introduction: This study addresses this theoretical gap by looking at the mediating role of Glasser’s basic psychological needs in the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and decision-making styles among young adults.
Method: The sample of this descriptive-correlational study included 314 adults aged 18-40, selected from Tehran through convenience sampling and structural equation modelling (SEM). Participants completed the 60-item NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), the General Decision-Making Style Questionnaire (GDMS), and Glasser's Basic Needs Questionnaire (GBNQ).
Results: The findings showed that Glasser's basic needs mediated significantly the relationship between personality factors and decision-making styles. Neuroticism significantly and negatively predicted negative rational decision making and positive avoidant and dependent styles, which were mediated by unmet survival and love/belonging needs. Conversely, conscientiousness was positively related to rational choices, with increased regulation of basic needs facilitating this association.
Conclusions. This study integrates personality taxonomy with Choice Theory and highlights the role of basic psychological needs as critical cognitive-emotional bridges that translate personality traits into decision-making behaviors. These findings offer practical guidance for clinical and educational interventions aimed at enhancing decision-making competencies by addressing fundamental psychological needs, and indicate the necessity of future longitudinal studies to validate these causal pathways across different populations.