Self-realization depends on personal autonomy.
Personal autonomy is the ability of a person to carry out his or her daily activities and make his or her own decisions . This power implies the need to have certain resources and skills that allow him or her to act independently and assume the consequences of his or her actions.
To accurately understand the idea of personal autonomy, it is important to analyze the two terms that shape it. Autonomy is associated with self-government and not depending on others. Personal , meanwhile, is what is particular to a person.
The degree of personal autonomy of an individual changes over time. In a general sense, it can be said that the aim is always to promote and achieve the highest possible level , taking into account the characteristics of each case.
Importance of personal autonomy
Personal autonomy is very important for human beings. It is associated with self-esteem , empowerment , individual freedom and even emotional well-being .
It is healthy for all people to be able to exercise their self-determination and take responsibility for making decisions about their own lives to the extent possible. If there are limitations, those closest to them (family, friends), the community in general and the State can help to overcome them so that the person does not lose autonomy.
When someone is unable to face the solution of problems that affect them or cannot move forward with a personal initiative, it is common for them to lose confidence in themselves. Especially when the impossibility is recorded in everyday matters. That is why it is essential to have empathy and help build resilience so that each person can take care of themselves and achieve their personal goals .
It should be noted that, for many reasons, personal autonomy is never absolute or unlimited . A balance is established between what is needed, what is desired and what can actually be achieved by virtue of the resources and skills available.
Personal autonomy is associated with the ability to self-manage.
The case of the children
Fostering personal autonomy in childhood is key to growth. This is a process that takes place in stages and progressively, since children need the protection and care of adults to survive.
Understanding that children lack the emotional maturity, intellectual development and physical strength required to be independent, it is key to promote their self-knowledge and give them the tools to gradually acquire personal autonomy.
Going to the bathroom alone, brushing one's teeth, drinking from a glass and eating without help are some actions that, between the first 3 and 4 years of life, a human being can perform autonomously or with little assistance.
By instilling self-care and personal responsibility , parents or guardians should gradually support the social independence of children and grant them, within the logical limits of each age, freedom of choice. This contributes to the child of today becoming an adult tomorrow capable of acting independently within the framework of society.
A common mistake made by those responsible for raising a child is overprotection . Out of love, parents try to ensure that children do not suffer any harm; however, when care is excessive, the child's capacity for action and development is limited. Mistakes, stumbles and frustration are part of learning.
Personal autonomy requires emotional intelligence.
Personal autonomy of individuals with disabilities
There is a widespread assumption that autonomy is a value inherent to a person. Individuals with disabilities, whether intellectual or physical, have the right to make use of that independence.
Of course, this does not mean abandoning them to their fate. It is about helping them to achieve the most independent way of life possible . Freedom must be both in action and in decision.
In its most basic sense, personal autonomy is given by the ability to carry out by oneself, without supervision or intervention from others, those essential daily actions of survival : eating, hygiene, dressing, etc. The greater the number of tasks and the greater their complexity, the greater the personal autonomy.
Suppose a man has to get around in a wheelchair. If the sidewalks are broken and there are no ramps in buildings, his personal autonomy will be affected. However, the implementation of accessibility policies and measures allows this person to maintain his independence.
If a woman with Down syndrome is assisted so that she can join a company and carry out a job for which she is qualified, this job autonomy will also lead to financial autonomy and, in turn, greater personal satisfaction.
The view of psychology
A person who does not have any intellectual or physical condition that limits his or her abilities may also have problems acting independently. There are psychological barriers that can lead to dependence on others.
In these situations, dependence is emotional . A person may feel that he is not capable of facing his reality and carrying out the actions that this reality demands of him. Problems with self-esteem, a negative self-image, prejudices and preconceived ideas block personal autonomy.
Although a psychology professional is the specialist indicated to treat these problems, people with these difficulties are usually advised to plan their activities, analyze their priorities , not make long-term commitments when it is not essential, and learn to say "no."