Research & Development

The LifeFit Matrix™ is a needs assessment developed by Kim Olver, LCPC, NCC, BCC, drawing on decades of work with Choice Theory, counseling, coaching, education, and human behavior.

The assessment examines five basic psychological needs across two dimensions: the relative strength of each need and the degree to which each is currently being satisfied.

The Matrix was developed to provide information that neither dimension can provide as fully on its own.

A strong need that is well satisfied may look very different in a person’s life from that same strong need when satisfaction is low. Likewise, lower satisfaction may have different significance depending on the relative strength of the need.

The LifeFit Matrix is currently a practice-developed assessment and should not yet be described as a psychometrically validated instrument.

Its scoring structure and resulting profiles have been developed and refined through application. Formal empirical investigation is an important next stage of development.

Future research may examine reliability, construct validity, the stability of need-strength patterns, changes in need satisfaction over time, relationships between strength and satisfaction, and associations between LifeFit patterns and outcomes such as well-being, relationships, decision-making, and perceived agency.

LifeFit Matrix results are intended as information for reflection and exploration rather than diagnosis or clinical evaluation.

Independent research is welcomed.

Researchers interested in psychological needs, Choice Theory, motivation, well-being, agency, counseling, coaching, or related areas are invited to explore opportunities to study the LifeFit Matrix.

The goal of research is not to prove that the Matrix is correct. It is to determine what its scores reliably measure, how useful its distinctions are, where its propositions are supported, and where the assessment may need to be refined.

For research inquiries: Contact kim@olverinternational.com