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Emotional autonomy redux: revisiting Ryan and Lynch
1Educational Research and Development Center, University of West Florida, Pensacola 32514.
Child Development
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Emotional autonomy in adolescence is linked to detachment when family support is low. However, high autonomy with strong parent support may offer developmental advantages despite some challenges.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Development
- Family Studies
Background:
- Emotional autonomy in adolescence is debated, with some viewing it as detachment.
- Previous research suggests a link between emotional autonomy and poor family functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine adjustment in adolescents based on varying levels of emotional autonomy and perceived parental support.
- To contrast adjustment scores in adolescents with different combinations of emotional autonomy and relationship support.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed several thousand adolescents aged 14-18.
- Utilized Steinberg and Silverberg's Emotional Autonomy Scale.
- Assessed perceived support in the parent-adolescent relationship and standardized adjustment measures.
Main Results:
- Adolescents high in emotional autonomy but low in relationship support exhibited problematic adjustment.
- Adolescents high in both emotional autonomy and relationship support reported more distress and behavior problems than some peers.
- This high autonomy/high support group also scored higher on psychosocial development and academic competence.
Conclusions:
- Emotional autonomy combined with low parental support may indicate detachment and lead to poor adjustment.
- High emotional autonomy within a supportive parent-adolescent relationship may confer developmental benefits.
- The context of family support is crucial for understanding the impact of adolescent emotional autonomy on adjustment.