None of us, of course, ever becomes completely self-reliant and probably many of us do not want to be. Thi is particularly true of those people high in the need for affiliation. Obtaining a workable balance between dependence and independence is difficult and important in our search for identity. Most us us learn the balancing ;:rocess gradually through the rewards that come with independent :Jehavior and the withholding of rewards that relates to too much :epending. Studies show that'in our North Amrrican culture, high 3chool students play masquerading roles at times leading to an image
off exaggerated needs for independence. Gradually, degrees of inependence become important, manifested by what we do or don't do . making decisions or exerting extra effort. The dependent person is :elatively satisfied with the status quo, is not looking for challenge, and has a low curiosity drive. Independence, of course, is the direct
pposite of this. The independent person is motivated to work on something without help, often resisting assistance or suggestions. Studies show that independent people refuse to react to pressures of :onformity.
In work situations it has been found that subjects with high ndependence scores are likely to be those most affected by how much participation they are permitted in making decisions at work. Those who participated with others in decision making were more satisfied with their work than those who had little participation. This did not hold for those with a low incentive for independence.
Independence often comes at the price of being rejected, but the independent person realizes this. He or she seeks out opportunity to respond to choice situations even though these situations may engender resistance.
