Autonomy in Psychology—What It Means and How to Be More Autonomous

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSelf-DeterminationExamplesCausesWhy It MattersLack of AutonomyHow to Be More Autonomous

Table of ContentsView All

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Table of Contents

Self-Determination

Examples

Causes

Why It Matters

Lack of Autonomy

How to Be More Autonomous

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Autonomous behavior is often studied in the context ofself-determination theory. According to this theory, people have innate psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When these needs are fulfilled, people experience greater intrinsic motivation, self-esteem, andsubjective well-being.

This independence is vital in many ways. People who can engage in autonomous behavior are more likely to perform well at work, achieve their academic goals, and feel happier in general. On the other hand, feeling like others are in control of your destiny is more likely to contribute to problems such aspoor self-esteem, a sense ofhelplessness, and worse mental health.

When people experience autonomy, they have a sense of psychological freedom, control, and choice. Instead of feeling as if outside forces direct behaviors, it allows people to feel that they have a sense of power and control over their own destiny.

Autonomy and Self-Determination

Self-determination theory is a theory of human motivation that suggests people have three basic needs in order to achieve optimal psychological well-being.

Autonomy: Self-determination theory suggests that autonomy is more than just being independent. Instead, it is an innate sense of freedom that allows people to act on their own behalf to take charge of their destiny.Relatedness: In addition to autonomy, people also need connection. They want to relate and care for others and feel a sense of belongingness.Competence: People also feel a need to have control over their environment and to feel that their actions will have an impact on the world around them.

To feel autonomous, people must feel that their preferences, behaviors, needs, and motivation are aligned. This allows people to then feel that they are living their lives according to their own direction and interests.

The theory also suggests there are two primary forms of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic. Whereextrinsic motivationis focused on driving behavior through rewards and punishments,intrinsic motivationarises from within. People engage in behaviors simply for the joy and satisfaction of doing them.

Examples of Autonomous Behavior

Other examples of autonomous behaviors include:

What Makes a Person Autonomous?

Autonomy stems from a variety of sources, and many factors can contribute to how free and in control people act and feel. Early childhood experiences,parenting styles, and other aspects of a person’s upbringing can play a significant part in autonomous behavior later in life.

One influential developmental theory suggests thatchildren develop feelings of autonomybetween the ages of 18 months and three years. During this time, kids begin to make choices such as picking their own clothes, developing food preferences, and choosing the toys they want to play with.

Kids that are encouraged and supported are more likely to emerge from this stage with a sense of autonomy. Those prevented from making choices or shamed for their choices are more likely to leave this stage with self-doubt and a lack of independence.

A few other factors include:

Autonomy is something that people can possess in varying amounts. Some people may be highly independent, while others lie somewhere else on the continuum. Levels of autonomous behavior can also vary depending on other factors, including the characteristics of the situation, changing goals, and a person’s specific circumstances.

Individualism vs. CollectivismWhile autonomy is also a human need, it is also a cultural construct. Research suggests that people are socialized toward autonomy from infancy and that cultural definitions can differ.Individualistic culturesstress the importance of autonomy, fostering the idea that an individual’s desires, feelings, and goals are paramount.On the other hand,collectivist culturesare more likely to view autonomy as an action that can support community-oriented goals and responsibilities.

Individualism vs. Collectivism

While autonomy is also a human need, it is also a cultural construct. Research suggests that people are socialized toward autonomy from infancy and that cultural definitions can differ.Individualistic culturesstress the importance of autonomy, fostering the idea that an individual’s desires, feelings, and goals are paramount.On the other hand,collectivist culturesare more likely to view autonomy as an action that can support community-oriented goals and responsibilities.

While autonomy is also a human need, it is also a cultural construct. Research suggests that people are socialized toward autonomy from infancy and that cultural definitions can differ.Individualistic culturesstress the importance of autonomy, fostering the idea that an individual’s desires, feelings, and goals are paramount.

On the other hand,collectivist culturesare more likely to view autonomy as an action that can support community-oriented goals and responsibilities.

Why Autonomy Is Important

Autonomy can be important in motivation, well-being, and overall life satisfaction. When people feel that they are free to make choices and have control over their lives, they are more likely to experience:

Maintaining autonomy as people age can help promote longevity and better self-rated health. It is also associated with a decreased risk for depression and cognitive decline as people age.

Consequences of a Lack of Autonomy

This lack of autonomy can lead to a variety of problems, including:

How to Be More Autonomous in Life

The events of childhood and adolescence often influence your sense of autonomy, but there are also things that you can do to improve your autonomy now:

SummaryAutonomy is a vital human need that involves acting independently and making choices aligned with your own needs and goals. When you feel more autonomous, you are more likely to feel empowered and in control of your own life. If you are struggling with a lack of autonomy, taking steps to improve your self-worth and seeking encouragement from supportive people can help.

Summary

Autonomy is a vital human need that involves acting independently and making choices aligned with your own needs and goals. When you feel more autonomous, you are more likely to feel empowered and in control of your own life. If you are struggling with a lack of autonomy, taking steps to improve your self-worth and seeking encouragement from supportive people can help.

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5 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Legault L.The need for autonomy. In: Zeigler-Hill V, Shackelford TK, eds.Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Springer International Publishing; 2016:1-3. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_1120-1Lewis S, Abell S.Autonomy versus shame and doubt.Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences.2020:338-341. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-24612-3_570Keller H.Psychological autonomy and hierarchical relatedness as organizers of developmental pathways.Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2016;371(1686):20150070. doi:10.1098/rstb.2015.0070Bergamin J, Luigjes J, Kiverstein J, Bockting CL, Denys D.Defining autonomy in psychiatry.Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:801415. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.801415Sánchez-García S, García-Peña C, Ramírez-García E, Moreno-Tamayo K, Cantú-Quintanilla GR.Decreased autonomy in community-dwelling older adults.Clin Interv Aging. 2019;14:2041-2053. doi:10.2147/CIA.S225479

5 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Legault L.The need for autonomy. In: Zeigler-Hill V, Shackelford TK, eds.Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Springer International Publishing; 2016:1-3. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_1120-1Lewis S, Abell S.Autonomy versus shame and doubt.Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences.2020:338-341. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-24612-3_570Keller H.Psychological autonomy and hierarchical relatedness as organizers of developmental pathways.Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2016;371(1686):20150070. doi:10.1098/rstb.2015.0070Bergamin J, Luigjes J, Kiverstein J, Bockting CL, Denys D.Defining autonomy in psychiatry.Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:801415. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.801415Sánchez-García S, García-Peña C, Ramírez-García E, Moreno-Tamayo K, Cantú-Quintanilla GR.Decreased autonomy in community-dwelling older adults.Clin Interv Aging. 2019;14:2041-2053. doi:10.2147/CIA.S225479

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Legault L.The need for autonomy. In: Zeigler-Hill V, Shackelford TK, eds.Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Springer International Publishing; 2016:1-3. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_1120-1Lewis S, Abell S.Autonomy versus shame and doubt.Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences.2020:338-341. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-24612-3_570Keller H.Psychological autonomy and hierarchical relatedness as organizers of developmental pathways.Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2016;371(1686):20150070. doi:10.1098/rstb.2015.0070Bergamin J, Luigjes J, Kiverstein J, Bockting CL, Denys D.Defining autonomy in psychiatry.Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:801415. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.801415Sánchez-García S, García-Peña C, Ramírez-García E, Moreno-Tamayo K, Cantú-Quintanilla GR.Decreased autonomy in community-dwelling older adults.Clin Interv Aging. 2019;14:2041-2053. doi:10.2147/CIA.S225479

Legault L.The need for autonomy. In: Zeigler-Hill V, Shackelford TK, eds.Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Springer International Publishing; 2016:1-3. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_1120-1

Lewis S, Abell S.Autonomy versus shame and doubt.Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences.2020:338-341. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-24612-3_570

Keller H.Psychological autonomy and hierarchical relatedness as organizers of developmental pathways.Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2016;371(1686):20150070. doi:10.1098/rstb.2015.0070

Bergamin J, Luigjes J, Kiverstein J, Bockting CL, Denys D.Defining autonomy in psychiatry.Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:801415. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.801415

Sánchez-García S, García-Peña C, Ramírez-García E, Moreno-Tamayo K, Cantú-Quintanilla GR.Decreased autonomy in community-dwelling older adults.Clin Interv Aging. 2019;14:2041-2053. doi:10.2147/CIA.S225479

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