Becoming the Author of One’s Life

There are several theories we have explored in College Student Development that have resonated with me, specifically the various theories that have been highlighted in previous posts. However, none have resonated with me more than Marcia B. Baxter Magolda’s (2001) self-authorship theory. Her theory’s relatability and utility are a major strength and is a lens that I see myself using in various settings in the future. Baxter Magolda (2001) identified four phases in the journey toward self-authorship, which involve the movement from external to internal self-definition. Cognitive, interpersonal, and interpersonal dimensions are essential to each of the phases. Baxter Magolda’s (2001) four phases include:

1. Following formulas: young adults follow the plans laid out for them by external authorities about what they should think and how they perform their work
2. Crossroads: Period of crisis where one’s previously established plans are incongruous with what actually suits their needs
3. Becoming the Author of One’s Life: when an individual has the ability to choose one’s beliefs and stand up for them in the face of conflicting external viewpoints
4. Internal foundations: when a young adult is able to successfully negotiate this stage and is grounded in their self-determined beliefs. They feel confident in their choices and experience feelings of peace, contentment, and inner strength

Phase three, becoming the author of one’s life, is where I would place myself within this model. “Becoming” is an important word and captures how I feel about where I am in my journey toward self-authorship. I am settled and confident in my beliefs but I recognize they can be challenging to enact or live out. I am also at the beginning stages of developing a strong self-concept, which is a tenet of phase three. To successfully navigate myself through phase three and into phase four I need to be aware of external influences but not let them affect me as me much. I also need to experience greater mutuality in my relationships. Lastly, I need to trust my internal voice more than I currently do so I can live wholly and authentically.

References:

Baxter Magolda, M. B. (2001). Making their own way: Narratives for transforming higher education to promote self-development. Sterling, VA: Stylus.