Purpose
This study applied self-determination theory to investigate the applicability of the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSFS) to socioeconomically disadvantaged university students. Furthermore, it explored the effect of such students’ basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration on their career decisions, as well as analyzed the influence of their participation in career enhancement programs on said decisions.

Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was distributed to socioeconomically disadvantaged university students who participated in the “Youth Capacity Building Program (n = 375).” A structural equation model was employed to examine the applicability of the BPNSFS to the disadvantaged students. Finally, the factors affecting their career decisions were analyzed.

Findings
The results of a confirmatory factor analysis validated the applicability of the BPNSFS to socioeconomically disadvantageduniversity students. The students in the program exhibited higher basic need satisfaction and lower frustration scores than those who did not participate in the program (β = .14, p < .05; β = -.23, p < .001). However, whereas the positive effect of satisfaction on career decisions was significant (β = .54, p < .001), the effect of frustration on career decisions was nonsignificant (p > .05). The effect of basic need frustration on career decisions remains to be explored in further research.

Originality/value
This investigation clarified the influence of a career enhancement program on the basic need satisfaction and frustration ofsocioeconomically disadvantaged university students as well as on their career decisions. In addition, the importance of basicpsychological needs assessments to career counseling practice and program development was discussed.