Agency in psychology refers to a person's capacity to act independently and make their own free choices, reflecting a sense of control over their thoughts, behaviors, and life circumstances. It involves the ability to initiate and regulate actions intentionally to achieve desired goals, embodying autonomy and self-determination
. Key aspects of agency include:
- Autonomy and Free Will: Agency means acting autonomously and freely, making decisions based on one's own values and desires without undue external pressure
- Intentionality and Goal-Directed Behavior: It entails the ability to plan, monitor, and execute actions purposefully to influence the environment and achieve intended outcomes
- Sense of Control: Agency is closely linked to the feeling of being in charge of one's actions and their consequences, which supports psychological stability and resilience
- Developmental and Social Context: Agency develops over time, beginning with limited control in infancy and growing through life experiences. However, it is also shaped by social and cultural factors that can enable or restrict one's ability to act independently
- Psychological Importance: A strong sense of agency is associated with motivation, mental well-being, and effective coping. Conversely, a lack of agency can contribute to feelings of helplessness, anxiety, depression, and difficulties in decision-making
In summary, agency in psychology is the capacity and feeling of being an active, autonomous agent who can influence their own life and environment through intentional actions
