Autonomy and Well-being Lecture Notes

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key concepts related to autonomy, self-determination theory, motivation, and practical strategies for cultivating well-being, as presented in the lecture notes.

Autonomy

The degree to which we are free to self-determine our thoughts, feelings, and actions in accordance with our own values and standards.

Independence

Refers to non-reliance on others; it is often confused with autonomy, but autonomy is about self-determination, not necessarily non-reliance.

Self-determination

The core aspect of autonomy, involving picking one's direction and making choices that are right for oneself.

RIF's Psychological Well-being Model

A model that lists both autonomy and positive relationships as key components necessary for psychological well-being.

High Autonomy

Characterized by deciding for oneself what to think, feel, and do; high levels of self-motivation; resistance to social pressures conflicting with personal standards; behavior aligned with personal standards; and self-evaluation against one's own standards.

Low Autonomy

Characterized by looking to others for what to think, feel, and do; motivation by external pressures; conformity to social pressures even when conflicting with one's own standards; and evaluating self against social standards.

Autonomy (Continuum)

Like many psychological constructs, autonomy exists on a continuum, not a dichotomy, varying from day to day and context to context.

Intrinsic Motivation

An internal, journey-oriented drive, pushing forward from within due to inherent interest or enjoyment of an activity.

Extrinsic Motivation

An instrumental, destination-oriented drive, typically stemming from external rewards, pressures, or outcomes.

Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

A theory, originated by Deci and Ryan, that considers autonomy as a basic psychological need critical for psychological well-being, linking it with intrinsic motivation and the pursuit of intrinsic goals.

Behaviorism

A psychological school of thought, exemplified by Skinner's operant conditioning, which posits that rewards increase the likelihood of repeating a behavior.

Operant Conditioning

Skinner's key idea that rewards increase the likelihood of repeating a behavior, suggesting external factors drive actions.

Cognitive Evaluation Theory (CET)

A sub-theory within Self-Determination Theory emphasizing that the effects of an external event (like a reward) depend on how it affects perceived self-determination and can diminish intrinsic motivation if perceived as controlling.

Internal Motives

Intrinsic forms of motivation, such as identification with a role or task, originating from within the individual.

Instrumental Motives

Extrinsic forms of motivation, such as the desire for a good job or monetary rewards, that are focused on external outcomes.

Development of Autonomy

A process involving understanding the self as a separate being, developing a clear sense of identity (values, purpose, aptitudes, interests), and acquiring competencies (e.g., assertiveness).

Theory of Mind

The cognitive ability to understand that others have different perspectives, beliefs, and desires than oneself; typically develops around 3-4 years of age.

Sally-Anne Task

A classic test used to assess theory of mind in children, involving understanding that Sally will look for her ball where she last saw it, not where it was secretly moved.

Identity Development

A key task of adolescence, involving exploring different identities, values, and one's place in the social world, often through individuating from parents.

Individuating from Parents

The process in adolescence of psychologically separating from parents, including de-idealization and developing one's own belief system, ideally transforming the parent-child bond.

Autonomy Supportive Environment

A context that offers choice, freedom to initiate, and meaningful rationales when direction must be given, leading to benefits like deeper learning and better mental health.

Cultivating Autonomy

Deliberately taking actions to enhance one's sense of autonomy, such as clarifying values/purpose, self-acceptance, personal growth, and choosing supportive relationships and contexts.

Gross and Thompson's Process Model of Emotion Regulation

A model identifying five temporal stages at which emotions can be modified: situation selection, situation modification, attentional deployment, cognitive change, and response modulation.

Situation Selection

A strategy for cultivating autonomy by making choices about which situations to enter or avoid to align with one's values and promote well-being.

Situation Modification

A strategy for cultivating autonomy by actively changing aspects of a situation (e.g., duration, interactions) to better suit one's needs.

Attentional Deployment

A strategy in emotion regulation involving directing one's attention to different aspects of a situation to influence emotional experience and perception.

Cognitive Change (Reappraisal)

A strategy for emotion regulation and cultivating autonomy by reinterpreting thoughts or appraisals about a situation to modify its emotional impact, particularly useful when control is low.

Response Modulation

A strategy in emotion regulation involving changing one's behavioral or physiological response to a situation.

Assertiveness

A communication skill involving knowing and politely, respectfully, but firmly stating one's boundaries and needs, crucial for supporting autonomy, distinct from aggression.

Values

Enduring principles for living that are important to an individual, guiding actions and goals on an ongoing basis, and providing motivation to persist through barriers.

Goals

Specific, concrete objectives that an individual aims to achieve, which have a defined end point and can align with one's values.

Bull's Eye Values Survey

A well-being exercise designed to help individuals clarify their personal values in four core life domains (work/education, relationships, personal growth/health, leisure) and assess how well their current actions align with these values.