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Cited by 175Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional DevelopmentMotivation and Self-Concept in SportsPsychosocial Factors Impacting Youth

On the association between adolescent autonomy and psychosocial functioning: Examining decisional independence from a self-determination theory perspective.

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Van Petegem, Stijn, Beyers, Wim, Vansteenkiste, Maarten, Soenens, Bart·2012·Developmental Psychology
DOI 10.1037/a0025307
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Abstract

In the present study, we focus on the concept of adolescent autonomy and its relation with psychosocial functioning. Specifically, we aim to differentiate between 2 prevailing conceptualizations of autonomy, that is, (a) autonomy defined as independence versus dependence and (b) autonomy defined as self-endorsed versus controlled functioning. A 2nd goal is to examine the relative contribution of each autonomy operationalization in the prediction of adolescents' adjustment (i.e., well-being, problem behavior, and intimacy). Data were gathered in a sample of 707 Belgian adolescents. Using a newly developed questionnaire, we assessed both the degree of independent decision making per se and the self-endorsed versus controlled motives underlying both independent and dependent decision making. The degree of independent decision making could clearly be differentiated from the underlying motives for doing so. Moreover, independent decision making as such showed unique associations with more problem behavior. Further, as expected, self-endorsed motives for both independent and dependent decision making generally related to an adaptive pattern of psychosocial functioning, and controlled motives were associated with maladjustment. The discussion focuses on the difference between the 2 perspectives on autonomy and on the different meaning of the motives underlying independent, relative to dependent, decision making.

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  • Studies with Belgian and Chinese adolescents have shown that experiencing a sense of volition during either independent decision-making or reliance on parents for advice and guidance was related to higher well-being.

    “Similarly, studies with Belgian (Van Petegem et al. 2012) and Chinese (Chen et al. 2013) adolescents have shown that experiencing a sense of volition during either independent decision-making or reliance on parents for advice and guidance was related to higher well-being.”

    From Basic psychological need theory: Advancements, critical themes, and future directions (2020) · cites this paper as Van Petegem et al. 2012

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Research works printed but not linked: 3

  1. Muthén, L. K., & Muthén, B. O. (2007). Mplus user's guide (5th ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Muthén & Muthén.
  2. Steinberg, L. (2002). Adolescence (6th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.
  3. Weinmann, L. L. (1992). Patterns of change in middle adolescent adjustment: The role of relationships with parents and peers. Dissertation Abstracts International, 53, 2565B- 2566B. doi: University Microfilms No. DA92-18128

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Authors
Van Petegem, S., Beyers, W., Vansteenkiste, M., & Soenens, B.
Affiliations
Ghent University (BE)
ORCID
Venue
Developmental Psychology
Publisher
American Psychological Association (APA)
Published
2012-01
Volume
48
Issue
1
Pages
76-88
ISSN
  • 0012-1649 (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-0599
DOI
10.1037/a0025307
OpenAlex
W2077672039
Cited by
175
References
88
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 13 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 21 · 2018: 15 · 2017: 19 · 2016: 10 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 14 · 2013: 12 · 2012: 8
FWCI
11.71
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
other-oa
Locations
  • Developmental Psychology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Ghent University Academic Bibliography (Ghent University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Dépôt institutionnel de l'Université libre de Bruxelles (Université Libre de Bruxelles) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Funders
Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (3F009009)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Psychosocial Factors Impacting Youth
Keywords
adolescent autonomy, self-determination theory, autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, psychosocial functioning, adolescent adjustment, behavioral problems, well-being, intimacy
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Adolescent, Psychology, Adolescent, Age Factors, Decision Making, Educational Status, Factor Analysis, Statistical, Female, Humans, Male, Motivation, Psychology, Self Concept, Sex Factors, Reproducibility of Results, Personal Autonomy, Young Adult

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