A four-part model of autonomy during emerging adulthood: Associations with adjustment

We found support for a four-part model of autonomy that links connectedness, separation, detachment, and agency to adjustment during emerging adulthood. Based on self-report surveys of 285 American college students, expected associations among the autonomy variables were found. In addition, agency, as measured by self-reliance, predicted lower psychological and somatic symptoms, as well as stronger self-esteem, college grades, and attitudes towards college. Separation, as measured by a modified Emotional Autonomy Scale score, was associated with lower grades and lower self-esteem, but only for emerging adults who reported lower self-reliance. Separation was not important in predicting these outcomes for emerging adults who were self-reliant.