A Comparison of the Relation Between Autonomy Support and Independent Self-Construal Between Turkish and German Young Adults

Abstract

Previous literature posited that basic psychological need support enhances the internalization of cultural values (Chirkov et al., 2005, 2011), yet the research detailing this is limited. In order to close the literature gap further and expand on the outcomes of maternal autonomy support, this study aimed to examine the relation between parental autonomy support and independent self-construal with nationality as a potential moderator. There were a total of 269 participants, 162 of which were Turkish (60.2%) and 107 of which were German (39.8%) with an age range of 18 to 25 (Mage = 21.67 and SDage = 2.05). The study was conducted via an online survey tool. The results showed that parental autonomy support positively related to independent self-construal. Nationality was also related to independent self-construal (MTurkish > MGerman) but was not a moderator, and there was no significant difference found between Turkish and German young adults’ independent self-construal scores. Current findings of this study expand the literature by further confirming the link between autonomy support and independent self-construal, indicating that autonomy support amplifies the integration of independent cultural values into the self, notwithstanding nationality.