Philippine E-Journals

Understanding the Structure of Autonomy among Filipino Adolescents

John Jamir Benzon R. Aruta

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

This study examined the structure of autonomy among Filipino adolescents through the framework proposed by Markus and Kitayama (1991b). Screening through median split was used to identify participants with high level of interdependence. The first set of participants (n=21) responded in the qualitative phase while the second set of participants (n=201) participated in the quantitative phase. After performing exploratory factor analysis (EFA), two dimensions of autonomy emerged—inward autonomy and outward autonomy. The results provide evidence about the unique definition of autonomy in an interdependent culture like the Philippines. Implications to assessment and student motivation are discussed.