Dependency to Independence
Definition
Dependency to independence refers to the psychological shift that typically occurs during adolescence where individuals move from relying on parents or caregivers for support towards becoming self-reliant.
Analogy
Imagine learning how to ride a bike. At first, you depend on training wheels (or someone holding onto your seat) for balance and support. But over time, you learn how to balance yourself and eventually can ride without any assistance - this represents moving from dependency towards independence.
Related terms
Autonomy: The capacity of an individual to make decisions independently.
Individuation Process: The process through which adolescents develop distinct identities separate from their parents or family unit.
Emotional Independence: The ability of an individual not being overly reliant on others for emotional support.
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