Last update:
16-Mar-2026

OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between mild executive dysfunction and the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in stroke patients.

METHOD In all 52 patients who had a chronic-phase ischemic frontal stroke six to nine months previous were included. Set-shifting ability was assessed using the Trail Making Test-Part B (TMT-B), and inhibitory control was measured using the Stroop Neuropsychological Screening Test (SNST). The satisfaction of psychological needs using the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale-General. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to determine associations and predictive relationships.

RESULTS Pearson correlation analysis identified significant associations between executive functioning and the satisfaction of psychological needs. TMT-B was negatively correlated with autonomy and competence, and SNST was positively correlated with autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Multiple regression analyses confirmed that both TMT-B and SNST significantly predicted autonomy and competence, although only SNST significantly predicted relatedness.

CONCLUSIONS This study clarified the significant influence of mild executive dysfunction on the satisfaction of psychological needs in patients with chronic-phase stroke. Deficits in set-shifting and inhibition impair autonomy, competence, and relatedness, highlighting the need for assessments and interventions to target both cognitive and psychological domains. A holistic approach that addresses these factors could improve rehabilitation outcomes and enhance quality of life in stroke survivors.

Key words: Basic psychological needs, Executive dysfunction, Inhibition, Shifting, Stroke.