Self-directedness
Self-directedness is a
It is one of the "character" dimensions in
Self-directedness is conceptually related to locus of control.[2] That is, low self-directedness is associated with external locus of control, whereas high self-directedness is associated with internal locus of control.[1]
In the
Components
In the Temperament and Character Inventory, self-directedness consists of five subscales:[1]
- Responsibility vs. Blaming (SD1)
- Cloninger compared this to Rotter’s concept of locus of control. People with an internal locus of control tend to take responsibility for their actions and are resourceful in solving problems. People with an external locus of control tend to be apathetic and to blame others or bad luck for their problems.
- Purposefulness vs. Lack of Goal Direction (SD2)
- Cloninger noted that Viktor Frankl believed that meaningful purpose is a key source of motivation for mature adults and that fulfillment of meaning was more important than gratifying impulses.
- Resourcefulness vs. Inertia (SD3)
- Cloninger related this to Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy: beliefs about one’s ability to succeed in goal-directed behaviour.
- Self-Acceptance vs. Self-Striving (SD4)
- Cloninger argued that self-esteem and realistic acceptance of one’s limitations are important to mature development of self-directed behaviour. On the other hand, childish fantasies of unlimited ability and immortality are generally associated with poor adjustment and inferiority feelings.
- Congruent Second Nature vs. Incongruent Habits (SD5)
- This relates to a belief associated with Yoga that long-term cultivation of clear goals and values transforms effortful behaviour into “second nature” so that a person automatically acts in ways aligned with their deeper goals and values.[1]
Psychopathology
Researchers have suggested that a combination of low self-directedness and low
Low self-directedness tends to be associated with more distressed mood, particularly depression. Research has found that non-responders to
The specific combination of low self-directedness, low cooperativeness, and high self-transcendence has been described as a "schizotypal personality" style by Cloninger and colleagues,[3] and has been found to be associated with high levels of schizotypy (proneness to psychotic symptoms).[4] Low self-directedness has also been related to higher levels of hypnotic susceptibility, and the latter has also been linked to aspects of schizotypy.[3]