Recognition denial, need for autonomy, and youth violence

Some adolescents develop an especially strong need for autonomy, desiring to be "their own boss" and determined to follow their own rules. Previous research indicates that an exaggerated need for autonomy is associated with aggression and other problem behaviors. Yet little is known about the origins of such "me-first" attitudes. Why do some young people develop a stubborn need for autonomy in the first place?This article focuses on the role of adolescent autonomy needs in the development of youth violence, drawing on the insights of recognition theory and suggesting that the origins of an exaggerated need for autonomy can be found in the experience of recognition denial. Data from a large sample of male adolescents are used to test this hypothesis. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis, showing that perceived recognition denial (including the perception that one is treated as an inferior) contributes to a strong need for autonomy. Both are associated with elevated levels of violent behavior. The author closes with a discussion of the findings and their implications for violence prevention.