Self-Determination Theory (hereafter SDT) is a macro-level approach towards human motivation. It identifies two types of motivation along a continuum from autonomous (intrinsic) to heteronomous (extrinsic). The former is characterized by behaviours that are experienced as volitional and emanating from oneself; the latter is characterized by behaviours that are experienced as controlling and external or internal pressures of self that are imposed by a system of rewards or punishments. The outcome of autonomous motivation includes increased work engagement, well-being, and pro-social behaviour. In contrast, negative outcomes are related to heteronomous motivation. A precondition to autonomous motivation is the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs of autonomy, relatedness, and competence. These needs are measured by the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale. The Prison Service Officers are constantly exposed to difficult working conditions consisting of uncertainty, unpredictability, threats to life and mental and physical well-being. Therefore, being a member of Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service (TTPrS) is a difficult job with significant experience of stress in undertaking tasks that aim to ensure the national security of Trinidad and Tobago. The stressful and dangerous nature of prison environment can be detrimental to the work-life balance and family stability. The strain on the family can have far reaching consequences on the work engagement and mental health. The ability to cope with the mentioned environment is important component to perform prison-related functions. Therefore, examining the SDT determinants on work engagement, burnout, work-family conflict, depression, and mental resilience in the case of TTPrS is an important topic for researchers and practitioners alike. 

The following instruments have been used for data collection: