Investigates whether autonomy and parental attachment in a diverse group of undergraduate women (N=325) varied by class year, as suggested by the Chickering model. Results revealed a pattern of autonomy development that differed from the model's. Although student autonomy increased with class year, students displayed no decreased attachment to…

"Depth interviews" reveal the development of autonomy to be a complex process characterized by a network of interrelated life experiences in multiple domains. Relational, personal, and educational events influence the pace and direction of developing autonomy. Six themes emerging from the data are discussed and related to developmental theories…