THE GENDER-AGE ASPECT OF AN INDIVIDUAL’S PSYCHOLOGICAL AUTONOMY AND THEIR RELATEDNESS WITH OTHER PEOPLE

Abstract

Purpose. To determine changes in the indicators of personality autonomy and relatedness with other peoplein adulthood depending on gender and age.Methods. The indicators of “autonomy” and “positive relations with others” from C. Ryff’s Scalesof Psychological Well-Being and the indicator of “sensitivity to others” from the Autonomy-Relatedness Testwere used. The sample (220 respondents) was divided into 3 groups for age analysis (group 1 – students under22 years; group 2 – the respondents from 23 to 35 years; group 3 – adults from 36 to 65 years).Results. Statistically significant differences between women and men (p <0.05) were determined forthe indicators of “autonomy” and “sensitivity to others”. Indicators of “autonomy” and “positive relations withothers” increased with age, “sensitivity to others” decreased with age. The following statistically significantdifferences were found: 1) between the indicators of “autonomy” in groups 1 and 2; 2) between the indicatorsof positive relations with others” in groups 1 and 2; 3) between the indicators of “sensitivity to others” ingroups 1 and 2 and in groups 2 and 3. Conclusions. Men showed a higher value of “autonomy”, while women did a slightly higher valueof “sensitivity to others”. “Positive relations with others" were almost the same for women and men. Suchdifferences, especially in terms of autonomy, can be called the cultural characteristics of Ukrainians, asthe results did not exactly coincide with data from foreign works. With the transition from youth to youngadulthood, people feel more autonomous, that is, they take responsibility for their future lives, while deepeningpositive relationships. Therefore, in this age period there is an increase in “autonomy” and “positive relationswith others”. On the later age stages, there is, rather, support for the current status. As one progresses in life, he/she gains more skill, life wisdom, and therefore he/she is no longer inclined to rely on the thoughts and viewsof others, is not afraid to express his/her own opinion and in this sense, “sensitivity to others” decreases.