# Who Cares What Other People Think? A Longitudinal Investigation of the Role of Autonomy-Connectedness in Self-Esteem Change Trajectories and Instability

## TL;DR

This study explores how the ability to balance independence and social connection affects self-esteem and mental health over time.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel longitudinal analysis of autonomy-connectedness in relation to self-esteem trajectories and instability.

## Key findings

- Autonomy-connectedness is positively linked to higher self-esteem.
- Sensitivity to others helps prevent self-esteem decline in older age.
- A subgroup with autonomy deficits showed low, stable self-esteem and high anxiety/depression symptoms.

## Abstract

While low self-esteem is an established risk factor for depressive and anxiety disorders, psychological underpinnings of unstable self-esteem remain understudied. We investigated the role of autonomy-connectedness, the psychological capacity for self-governance, in self-esteem and its change trajectories and instability.

Data spanning 12 years of the Longitudinal Internet studies for the Social Sciences [LISS] panel, a large, nationally representative population sample (N = 5367, ages 16–91), were used.

Mixed model analyses revealed that autonomy-connectedness was positively associated with self-esteem. Autonomy-connectedness component Sensitivity to others predicted less deterioration of self-esteem over time. Latent growth mixture modeling exploring individual differences revealed seven latent classes differing in slope and self-esteem instability over time. Individuals with healthy autonomy were more likely to belong to classes with above average self-esteem, but not necessarily more stable self-esteem trajectories. A subgroup (11%) displayed alarming autonomy deficits, which corresponded with low, stable self-esteem, as well as high levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Autonomous individuals have higher self-esteem and better mental health, but autonomy deficits were not necessarily associated with unstable self-esteem trajectories. Being sensitive to others buffers against declining self-esteem in older age. Results are discussed in light of depression and anxiety vulnerability.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10608-025-10604-2.