The Development of Personal Autonomy

Independence or personal freedom is an aspect that most individuals seek in their lives. Although some individuals may need the help of others in order to gain these features, others are already endowed with autonomous thoughts and reflect it in their behavior. Deci & Ryan (2009) claim that autonomy is one of the basic and universal psychological needs that is necessary for the well-being and flourishing of all people. The development of autonomy comes in different forms for all people. The research discussed throughout this paper will reveal and evaluate how autonomy develops in individuals and whether showing autonomous behavior is positive or negative.

Primary Issues

Autonomy

The notion of personal autonomy is a characteristic that many individuals seek to find throughout their life. The term autonomy originates from the Greek words auto (self) and nomos (law) and means self-management (Senturan, Kose, Sabuncu, & Ozhan, 2012). Individuals who experience the characteristic of autonomy during their lives will often have an intense desire for their personal freedom and will set moderate goals for themselves that will enhance their well-being and independence. Radel, Sarrazin, Pelletier, and Milyavskaya (2011) describe autonomy as being a basic psychological need that has the potential to represent an individual’s propensity towards a slate of self-governance as defined by their behavioral aims. An autonomous attitude is seen as having the ability to resist influence or coercion, to defy an authority or seek freedom in a new place, or to strive for independence (Sahakian, 1965).

Individuals who have high levels of autonomy might pursue goals or activities in which they must complete them individually and control their own ...

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