title: Independence or autonomy: which is the goal?
abstract: At times in psychiatric treatment practice in the United States, the notion of individualism or independence (an American ideal) is confused with autonomy (a rights goal). Client autonomy is defined as the ability of clients to make their own choices. When the societal ideal of independence overrides individual autonomy, inclusion and client well-being may be jeopardized. A case will be presented to illustrate these points. We make recommendations for professional education to protect client rights through understanding the distinction between autonomy and independence.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 1207 W. Oregon St., Urbana, IL 61801, United States. wkorr@uiuc.edu
authors.forename: Wynne S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Korr
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Encandela
authors.forename: Donald
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brieland
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011613:Psychotherapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States