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Autonomy involves making independent decisions that align with personal values and goals instead of being coerced by external forces. In psychology, autonomy is viewed as a fundamental human need. It is essential to individual well-being, motivation, and psychological health.
Autonomous behavior is often studied in the context of self-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, and subjective 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 as poor self-esteem, a sense of helplessness, 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.
Self-determination theory is a theory of human motivation that suggests people have three basic needs in order to achieve optimal psychological well-being.
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. Where extrinsic motivation is focused on driving behavior through rewards and punishments, intrinsic motivation arises from within. People engage in behaviors simply for the joy and satisfaction of doing them.
Both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation can play a part in autonomous behavior. However, people are more likely to feel independent and in control when driven by internal desires rather than external rewards.
Taking steps to pursue personal goals is an example of autonomous behavior. This might include pursuing a hobby that interests you, taking classes that help you toward your educational goals, or learning about a new subject because you find the topic fascinating.
Other examples of autonomous behaviors include:
In each case, you engage in a behavior because you feel intrinsically motivated and not because you are being told to do so by an external force.
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 that children develop feelings of autonomy between 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.
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 cultures stress the importance of autonomy, fostering the idea that an individual's desires, feelings, and goals are paramount.
On the other hand, collectivist cultures are more likely to view autonomy as an action that can support community-oriented goals and responsibilities.
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:
Autonomy can also be affected by factors such as mental illness, medical conditions, disability, and age. Older adults, for example, often experience decreased autonomy due to declining health and a greater need for assistance.
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.
A lack of autonomy can take a serious toll on an individual's well-being. When people lack autonomy, they feel that how they feel, think, and behave is controlled by external factors. They feel that they can't live according to their wishes and may make choices based on a need to please others or out of fear of negative consequences.
This lack of autonomy can lead to a variety of problems, including:
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:
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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By Kendra Cherry, MSEd
Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."
