Autonomy

What it measures

A five-item scale measuring autonomy.

Response format

7-point Likert (1=strongly disagree, 7=strongly agree)

Scale items

• makes me feel controlled and pressured to be certain ways. (r)
• makes me feel free to be who I am.
• I feel that my choices are based on my true interests and values.
• I feel free to do things my own way.
• I feel that my choices express my "true" self.

Full scale items shown. Always cite the original source when using this scale in research.

Usage notes & scoring

Reported alpha coefficients range from .80 to .85 across samples or studies.

Citation

La Guardia, Jennifer G., Richard M. Ryan, Charles E. Couchman, and Edward L. Deci (2000), "Within-Person Variation in Security of Attachment: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective on Attachment, Need-Fulfillment and Well-Being," Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 79 (September), 367-84.

Keywords