8 Abstract The construct of autonomy has a rich, though 9 quite controversial, history in adolescent psychology. The 10 present investigation aimed to clarify the meaning and 11 measurement of adolescent autonomy in the family. Based 12 on theory and previous research, we examined whether two 13 dimensions would underlie a wide range of autonomy-14 related measures, using data from two adolescent samples 15 (N = 707, 51 % girls, and N = 783, 59 % girls, age ran-16 ge = 14-21 years). Clear evidence was found for a two-17 dimensional structure, with the first dimension reflecting 18 ''volition versus pressure'', that is, the degree to which 19 adolescents experience a sense of volition and choice as 20 opposed to feelings of pressure and coercion in the parent-21 adolescent relationship. The second dimension reflected 22 ''distance versus proximity'', which involves the degree of 23 interpersonal distance in the parent-adolescent relationship. 24 Whereas volition related to higher well-being, less problem 25 behavior and a secure attachment style, distance was 26 associated mainly with more problem behavior and an 27 avoidant attachment style. These associations were not 28 moderated by age. The discussion focuses on the meaning 29 of adolescent autonomy and on the broader implications of 30 the current findings. 31 32