Psychology

The Significance of autonomy and autonomy support in psychological development and psychopathology

Document Type

Book Chapter

Abstract

This chapter, in keeping with the spirit of the field of developmental psychopathology, examines both the developmental underpinnings of healthy autonomy and the processes involved in its disruption and manifestation as pathology. It critically examines the interface between normal and impaired development. The chapter sets forth a definition of autonomy that is informed by both philosophical and clinical analyses and that differentiates autonomy from closely related constructs such as free will, independence, individualism, and detachment. Then, it explores how autonomy is intertwined with the developmental processes of intrinsic motivation, internalization, attachment, and emotional integration, paying particular attention to how conditions in the social context either support the motivational and emotional bases of normal development or, undermine these bases, leading to psychopathology. Finally, the chapter discusses the experience and dynamics of autonomy with regard to varied psychological disorder.

Publication Title

Developmental Psychopathology: Second Edition

Publication Date

2015

Volume

1

First Page

795

Last Page

849

ISBN

9780470939383,0471237361,9780471237365

DOI

10.1002/9780470939383.ch20

Keywords

autonomy support, developmental psychopathology, emotional integration, externalizing disorders, internalizing disorders, intrinsic motivation, normal development, Pspychological disorder, self-determination theory

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