Portable Wisdom

The DRAMMA List of Psychological Needs

DRAMMA is a theory outlining six pschological needs that, when satisfied, lead to optimal functioning and higher levels of well-being. DRAMMA is notable for integrating leisure needs with other psychological needs more typically associated with work.

See “Need Satisfaction and Optimal Functioning at Leisure and Work: A Longitudinal Validation Study of the DRAMMA Model.”

Also see this story in The Atlantic.

DRAMMA is an acronym standing for the following elements.

  1. Detachment

    Detachment from work refers to mental disengagement (e.g., “switching off”) from work-related thoughts and tasks during employees’ free time.

  2. Relaxation

    Relaxation refers to psychobiological unwinding in combination with low activation and high positive affect.

  3. Autonomy

    Autonomy refers to a sense of being in control over one’s life, actions, and choices, and is an essential component of leisure.

  4. Mastery

    Mastery refers to experiencing proficiency and skillfulness in the tasks in which the person engages.

  5. Meaning

    Meaning refers to experiencing a sense of purpose and significance in one’s life and activities.

  6. Affiliation

    Affiliation refers to feeling closely related and emotionally connected to people.