Autonomous individuals are characterized by self-governance; awareness of and capacity to realize one’s wishes and needs, while being connected with and sensitive towards others. In line with earlier research showing consistent associations between autonomy-connectedness deficits and anxiety, we tested in two studies whether autonomy deficits predict anxious responses to acute stressors. Methods: In Study 1, participants (N = 177) viewed an anxiety-inducing film fragment and reported anxiety before and after viewing the clip. In experimental Study 2, participants (N = 100) were randomly allocated to one of two conditions; giving a short presentation to an audience (impromptu speech task) or watching another person’s presentation (control condition). Anxiety was measured at baseline, after a preparation period and directly after the presentation. Results: In Study 1, individuals’ anxiety in reaction to watching the movie was positively associated to the autonomy-connectedness component sensitivity to others. In Study 2, individuals’ anxiety in reaction to preparing the presentation was negatively associated to the autonomy-connectedness component self-awareness. Conclusions: Specific autonomy components may be related to experiencing anxiety in differing situations (i.e. related to others’ distress or presenting one’s personal views). Collectively these results indicate that autonomy-connectedness deficits may form a vulnerability factor for experiencing anxiety.

DSA proof.
Method: Data were collected at Tilburg University. In both studies, participants first completed the autonomy-connectedness scale (ACS-30), and baseline anxiety measures: the Spielberger state anxiety scale (both studies), Spielberger trait anxiety scale (Study 1) and the Social anxiety scale (Study 2). In Study 1, participants were presented the final scene of the Blair Witch Project, a movie fragment that was previously rated as eliciting fear. After the movie participants again completed the Spielberger state anxiety scale. In Study 2, participants were invited to the experiment in pairs, and they were randomized to either giving a short presentation (Impromptu Speech Task) or watching the presentation of another participant. State anxiety was measured at baseline, after a preparation period and again after the presentation.
Universe: Participants were Dutch undergraduates of Tilburg University, aged M = 19.98 (SD = 2.13) in Study 1, and aged M = 20.48 (SD = 3.40) in Study 2.