Model of Autonomous-Related Singles Counseling in Collectivistic Cultures: The Turkey Model

• Main Author: Bahar Aydın, Kâmile
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: ScholarWorks@GVSU 2020
• Subjects: autonomy; relatedness; model of autonomous-related self; model of autonomous-related singles counseling; single individual; collectivism; Turkey; Psychology; inuit
• Online Access: https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/iaccp_papers/280; https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1279&context=iaccp_papers

In this paper the Model of Autonomous-Related Singles Counseling (MARSC) is introduced. MARSC is based on Kağıtçıbaşı's (1996) Autonomous-Related Self Model (ARSM) and on Aydın’s (2017, 2019) Singles Counseling Theory which have been developed in Turkey, a country that scores high on collectivism (Hofstede, 1980). In both models, the basic psychological needs of autonomy and relatedness are the key concepts. ARSM is a supplementary synthesis model that integrates two constructs assumed to be conflicting, and it is based on cross-cultural diversity: autonomy and relatedness. ARSM is prevalent in collectivistic cultures. Research conducted on diverse national and ethnic groups in Brazil, Estonia, Turkey, China, the Canadian Inuit, and immigrants in the United States of America and Europe, provides scientific evidence with regard to the ARSM. ARSM develops in the family model of psychological interdependence (FMPI) in collectivistic cultures. It involves a healthier combination of both autonomy and relatedness, which are essential psychological needs rather than relying on single autonomy or relatedness. Autonomy infers agency (social and cognitive) and volition, while relatedness infers emotional relations and support. Intervention is needed for ARSM to develop in a collectivistic culture. A single individual at MARSC is defined as someone who never married, got divorced, lives separately, or is widowed. MARSC has been developed to inspire prevention and intervention programs to develop the ARSM and related structures and functions (such as FMPI and autonomous-related single lifestyle). However, some environmental problems have become widespread and important in Turkey, therefore, the effectiveness of these psychological counseling programs also requires these problems to be resolved. Within the scope of Turkey-MARSC, these programs should be prepared to enhance efforts on developing autonomy in single individuals.