Fitter and healthier but happier? Assessing psychological wellbeing as the outcome of a wellness vacation using Self-Determination Theory

This study assessed aspects of psychological wellbeing as the outcome of a wellness vacation using Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as a theoretical framework. Pre and post vacation surveys assessed wellbeing as the outcome of a stay and a structural equation model estimated precursors to psychological wellbeing. Overall, measures of psychological wellbeing increased significantly with Positive Affect and Vitality demonstrating moderate effect sizes. Precursors to enhanced psychological wellbeing were also significant with Autonomous self-regulation and Competence demonstrating a strong association in particular. Managerial implications were discussed