The main objective of this study was to learn whether emotional autonomy is truly part of
a developmental stage for Spanish adolescents and young adults or if it is an indicator of
difficult family relationships. Using a longitudinal design, a sample of ninety young people
was followed for ten years, from their initial adolescence until their first years of adulthood. At four observation points, the participants completed various questionnaires to
evaluate their emotional autonomy, the cohesion in their family relationships and their life
satisfaction. There were no gender differences in the development of emotional autonomy.
Family cohesion and life satisfaction showed significant negative associations with
emotional autonomy and these associations became more pronounced as participants
moved from adolescence into adulthood. Based on our results, emotional autonomy from
parents does not seem to be a developmental stage taking place during adolescence, but
rather, an indicator of difficult family relationships