Accountability

Abstract

Abstract Accountability is widely recognized as important in a number of disciplines, yet it has received limited attention in mental health. We propose that accountability to others for fulfilling relational responsibilities facilitates flourishing mental health. Conversely, difficulties in appropriately responding to others with answerability or impairments in self-regulation to carry out relational commitments pose challenges for flourishing. We begin by considering the personality, neurobiological, and developmental aspects of accountability. We then consider the importance of the virtue for clinical practice, professionalism, and growth. Flourishing is likely to emerge not only when people become more autonomous, but also when they develop the capacity of accountability—to seek out and respond well to feedback in order to fulfill responsibilities in relationships.