Living in accordance with the true self, that is reflected by significant components of personality (e.g., basic motives), relates to psychological well-being and mental health. While findings for the motives of affiliation/relatedness and achievement/competence are relatively straightforward, theoretical approaches make different assumptions on consequences of striving for power, defined as a concern for having impact on others’ behaviors and emotions (Winter, 1973). Self-determination theory argues that pursuing power-related strivings deflects from satisfying basic psychological needs. In contrast, the power motive represents an integral part of the motivational system in (implicit) motive disposition theory and its satisfaction predicts well-being. In the present study, we conducted an exploratory analysis to examine whether a high need for power is associated with power-motivational content in life story episodes. Moreover, we examined whether participants report higher levels of meaning in life when power-motivational content in life story episodes matches the strength of their implicit power motive. To scrutinize the generalizability of assumed relationships, data were assessed among older adults (n = 450) in Cameroon, China (Hong Kong), Czech Republic, and Germany. In sum, analyses provided weak support for the association between nPower and power-motivational content in life story episodes. However, our findings suggest that, regardless of cultural background, power-motivated individuals report higher levels of meaning in life the more their recalled life episodes reflect power-related themes. Yet, it is crucial to confirm our initial findings in future hypothesis-testing studies, particularly with regard to factors that enable individuals to have motive-relevant experiences in life and to recall them. Effects of implicit motives on the relationship between life review and psychological well-being are discussed.
