Which theory emphasizes that individuals are accountable for the choices they make in life?

Existentialism emphasizes that individuals are accountable for the choices they make in life by positing that people exist first and then define themselves through their actions and decisions. This philosophical approach focuses on the individual's experience of existence and the freedom that comes with it. The emphasis on personal responsibility is a core component of existentialism, highlighting that individuals must confront the inherent uncertainty of life and make meaningful choices, designing their own lives based on those choices.

In contrast, humanistic theory focuses on personal growth and self-actualization but does not center on accountability in the same way as existentialism. Behaviorism studies observable behaviors rather than internal decision-making processes, therefore it does not prioritize individual responsibility for choices. Cognitive Development Theory analyzes how people's thinking evolves over time, primarily through developmental stages, instead of focusing on personal accountability in decision-making. Thus, existentialism distinctly stands out as the theory that directly links personal choice and responsibility in life's journey.