During the past century various theories of mental functioning that rest
on a deterministic view of man have gained dominance. However, a review of
psychodynamic writing shows that there has remained a need for some concept
of autonomy and inner direction, as represented by the concepts of ego
autonomy and behavioral self-control. In fact, some studies of mental
health and psychotherapy can be interpreted as supporting the existential
view that the experience of "freedom" and "choice" is a genuine phenomenon.
Although concepts of behavioral self- control may reconcile these
contradictions, the author concludes that no theories of mental functioning
have entirely dealt with the paradoxes of autonomy, inner direction, and
choice.Abstract Teaser