Adolescence is critical for learning autonomous
behavior; however, little research is available on the most
appropriate balance of the emotional and behavioral
dimensions of autonomy for psychosocial adjustment dur-
ing this period. In this study we present a novel autonomy
typology that combines both these aspects, which can be
implemented as autonomy in decision-making and emo-
tional separation. Specifically, examined age differences in
emotional separation and autonomy in decision-making
during adolescence. We also assessed differences in psy-
chosocial adjustment associated with profiles of autonomy
typology, sex, and age. The participants were 567 adoles-
cents (296 males and 271 females), aged between 12 and 18
years (M = 14.48; SD = 1.69), recruited in Spanish high
schools. Each participant filled out questionnaires on iden-
tity commitment, self-esteem, emotional separation and
autonomy in decision-making. The results showed that the
most advantageous autonomy profile is ‘autonomous in
decisions’ (those showing low emotional separation com-
bined with autonomous behavior in decisions) which was
associated with higher levels of self-esteem and occupa-
tional and ideological identity commitment. In addition, we
also concluded that the balance of autonomy affects
adjustment throughout adolescence, although early adoles-
cence may be an especially critical period.

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• Emotional Separation, Autonomy in Decision-Making, and Psychosocial Adjustment in Adolescence: A Proposed Typology