subject: The Psychological Need Of Autonomy [print this page] Okay, so what is autonomy? And why do we need it? Well, first of all, autonomy is volition. It is having a conscious choice about your actions your decisions being in a sense entirely your own and no one else's. Interestingly, autonomy is often confused with independence. Well, this is not surprising considering that autonomy bears some resemblance to independence. Independence broadly refers to freedom from a subjecting kind of reliance to something or someone else. Autonomy is something else.
We all have a sense of autonomy. In philosophy, there are proponents who believe that all of us have choices whatever may be the case-we have a choice; we are never totally forced to make decisions one way or another. However, our sense of autonomy can be hampered. Yes, it can even be erased.
How does that happen? Well, it happens when we depend on someone else. It happens when we blame someone or something like fate for everything we do. And so why do we need autonomy? We need it to "organize" our experiences. It gives us a sense of ownership with regard to our choices, and we can prioritize our choices according to our highest (or in any case, lowest) values. We also need it to integrate what we do with who we are.
Okay, that means what? It means that having the sense of responsibility establishes certain identification with the kind of person we are. Our actions can portray our identity-our true self for that matter, and not who we think we are, but who we actually are. We need our sense of autonomy so that when we commit mistakes we do not blame others. And neither do we dwell on self-blame, but rather we commit to making up for our mistakes.
Autonomy support is therefore vital especially for children. You, even if you are an adult, still may need autonomy support. So seek out people and activities that support your autonomy. Avoid or get help if you have addictions, because these are one of the many things that can thwart your sense of autonomy.
Autonomy is indeed more necessary than mere independence. It is an acknowledgement of our free will. It gives us a clearer sense of who we are. So seek help if you believe your sense of autonomy has been damaged. This psychological need can still be helped even in the most desperate cases. Never give up. Have the courage to acknowledge a problem, and face it-not alone but with those whom you trust and who can help you.
by: Irsan Komarga
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
