The sociotropy-autonomy scale: Structure and implications

The Sociotropy Autonomy Scale (SAS), especially the Autonomy Scale, has dem onstrated inconsistent results concerning its relationship to depression an d psychopathology. We hypothesized that these inconsistent findings may be related to the factor structure of the SAS. Exploratory and confirmatory fa ctor analyses of the SAS were conducted in two separate samples of psychiat ric outpatients (n = 1033, n = 1034). The results revealed a two-factor sol ution for sociotropy: Preference for Affiliation and Fear of Criticism and Rejection. The second factor, Fear of Criticism and Rejection, had a strong er association with psychopathology than the first factor. The results also indicated a two-factor solution for autonomy: Sensitivity to Others' Contr ol and Independent Goal Attainment Although the Sensitivity to Others' Cont rol factor had a positive correlation with psychopathology, the Independent coal Attainment factor had a negative correlation with psychopathology. We speculate that Independent Goal Attainment may be associated with resilien ce or hardiness and functions as a buffer against stress. Implications for revising the SAS as well as employing these factors in future studies are d iscussed.