[A relationship between autonomy and mental disorders]

The aim of this article is to present three new cognitive approaches to autonomy and it's importance for pathology. According to Ryan and Deci's self-determination theory autonomy is manifested through intrinsically motivated behaviour. As the individual develops it's autonomous activity is expanded gradually by the integration of regulatory processes. Being autonomous, one can modulate and manage one's emotions and impulses, is aware of emotional states and hence is capable of behaving adequately. Pathology develops when the problems with the integration of external regulatory processes occur. According to Toru Sato, there are two parts of the self--autonomy and relatedness. The first one focuses on control over one's environment and one's bodily functioning. For the other one "being associated" with one or more persons is a goal in itself. For correct functioning the person's autonomy and relatedness needs should be satisfied. Both self-systems are involved in the process, which should result in their integration. Sato claims that too much stress put on one of the systems weakens the other one. The person satisfies only one need and it is crucial for it's mental condition. Pathological mechanisms are culturally conditioned. Beck describes two personality dimensions--autonomy and sociotropy. Autonomy refers to the personal interest in independence, individuality and attaining personal goals. The autonomous individual takes it's sense of well-being from personal achievements and control over her/his own activity and environment. The author claims that both highly autonomous and highly sociotropic individuals are vulnerable to depression.