The Need for Autonomy (Why we crave it)
By
OptimistMinds
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Author bio
The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter. The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.
This blog lays emphasis on the need for autonomy.
In the area of inspiration, the researchers identified the three basic psychological needs that drive human behavior – autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
Such three needs are the main aspects of the philosophy of self-determination.
This theory was founded by Deci and Ryan (2008) and suggests that individuals have a basic need to monitor the work they do, and this contributes to a sense of satisfaction.
Let’s explore more facts about the need for autonomy.
What is the Need for Autonomy?
We need to make our own choices and have the capacity to make those choices.
This may include deciding what we are doing, how we are going to do it when we are going to do it, and where we are going to do it.
If we are confronted in a way that limits our autonomy, we will always revolt in a way that expresses our autonomy.
| Example A teenager is arguing with a parent about coming home late. And if they were told to come home early, they would stay even longer. A boss at work is notorious for ‘micromanaging’ employees, directing any move they make. Most of the people who work for him go to work elsewhere. Some, clearly, express their concerns. |
What is Autonomy?
Autonomy has two parts, which can be called ‘will’ and ‘will.’ The first part is fairly clear in that anyone can make decisions, although the quality of those decisions that vary, especially in the light of potential risks.
Capacity requires both skills and resources (such as money, facilities, and access to people).
Autonomy is a vital aspect of the 3-factor Self-Determination Theory.
While we are all capable of determining what we do at any moment, we are heavily affected by social factors, like the need to be accepted and the need not to offend those who have control over us.
A very common stressful scenario that is normal in many workplaces is that we have little control over what we do, but we can still be disciplined if we do not meet established objectives.
In other words, where there is no obligation without authority.
This happens when managers order us to do stuff and then give us inadequate help to allow us to complete the work on time.
Autonomy is a common problem with children when they try to make their own choices, even before they can grasp the possible negative implications, and is a source of many parent-teenager disputes.
When autonomy is limited, it can be claimed elsewhere, for example in the case of rebellious or displaced acts.
That’s the essence of the needs—-they can’t just be kept back.
This blog explained in detail the concept of the need for autonomy.
If you have any questions or queries regarding this blog, let us know through your comments in the comments section. We will be glad to assist you.
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References
The Need for Autonomy – Changing Minds
Why the basic psychological needs autonomy, competence and relatedness matter in management and beyond
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