When a client experiences a sense of control over their decisions, this is referred to as what?

When a client experiences a sense of control over their decisions, this concept is best described as autonomy. Autonomy refers to the individual's capacity to make informed, uncoerced decisions, reflecting their own values and beliefs. It emphasizes the importance of personal agency and self-determination in the decision-making process. In a corrective exercise context, fostering a sense of autonomy can lead to greater motivation and adherence to exercise programs, as clients feel empowered to choose actions that align with their goals.

While independence and empowerment relate to personal growth and self-sufficiency, they do not specifically capture the essence of decision-making control like autonomy does. Self-efficacy, on the other hand, refers to a person’s belief in their capability to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments, which is related but distinct from the concept of autonomy. Hence, autonomy is the most accurate term to describe the sense of control a client feels over their choices and decisions.