Table 3.

Main characteristics of traditional and relational models of autonomy

Traditional model	Relational model
• Freedom of choice	• Freedom of choice
• Primacy of informed consent	• Role and influence of others on expanding individual’s ability to make choices
• Voluntariness  • Independence  • Self-sufficiency	• Consider influence of relatives that is wanted and expected by some patients
• Maintenance of control over situations	• Health and sickness viewed also as interpersonal and family events
• Ability to exercise proper responsibility	• Role of social relationships in developing individual’s identity
• Avoidance of interference and undue pressures	• Adapt individual preferences to the needs of loved ones
• Clear boundaries between self and others	• Importance of personal relationships and shared interests