Independence

Independence is the ability of a person to make their own choices and carry out daily tasks independently. Independence begins at birth and continues through the lifespan. It is important for healthy development.

Development of Independence Through the Life Stages

Infancy

During this stage, infants are dependent on their caregivers for all types of care. However, as they start to prepare for early childhood, they have developed skills and abilities that they feel confident in trying by themselves, such as feeding and saying the word “No,” which indicates that they want to do something their way.

Early Childhood

During early childhood, a child will develop skills to become more independent as the need arises, for example, being able to button up their own coat at school or going to the toilet independently. Through starting school and engaging in new hobbies, children learn to make their own decisions and rely less on parents to do so. This can include choices about what activities they want to do, based on their likes and dislikes.

Adolescence

During adolescence, young people are developing a sense of self and their identity. They now see themselves as having more control and are able to make their own decisions about their education, social life and career pathways. Through the experiences they have encountered and influences of friends and the media, they may question whether they share the same beliefs as their family. Young people learn from their own experiences and choices and through the consequences of poor decisions and failure.

Many young people get their first job between the ages of 16 and 18; this is their first step to financial independence. Not only are they learning the value of money, but also what is expected of them. Also, at this time, they may have moved to college or onto an apprenticeship where independence and using your own initiative to make informed decisions is required. All of these skills are important for the transition into adulthood and moving out of home.

Early Adulthood

During this stage, young people may be living with friends at university or may have moved out of the family home. If so, they will be responsible for paying for their accommodation, the utility bills, insurance and other bills. This ability relies upon making decisions, especially if money is tight.

Later in this stage, individuals may start a family and although new parents may have the support of family members, they are ultimately responsible for their own child. There may be decisions to be made, such as about whether both parents work or whether one stays at home.

Middle Adulthood

During this stage, adults usually have more time to enjoy their interests and will be established within their career. However, for some this may mean being the main carer for elderly parents and having to work longer if they do not have enough money to retire or because of changes in the age of retirement.

Later Adulthood

Whilst some individuals maintain their independence, changes in physical and mental health can reduce independence, especially if the person can no longer live alone.

There are a number of factors that can influence independence, these include:

• State of the individual’s health – those who are in good health are more likely to be independent than those who depend on carers
• Culture – in some culture’s independence is not encouraged as extended families live together are heavily involved in each other’s lives.
• Stage of emotional and/or social development – individuals often become more independent as they become more mature emotionally and socially.