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Article
The Importance of Self-Determination to Perceived Quality of Life for Youth and Young Adults With Chronic Conditions and Disabilities
Remedial and Special Education
  • Janette McDougall, Western University
  • Jan Evans
  • Patricia Baldwin
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1-2010
URL with Digital Object Identifier
https://doi.org/10.1177/0741932509355989
Disciplines
Abstract

This study examined the relationship between self-determination and perceived quality of life for youth and young adults with chronic conditions and disabilities over time. A total of 34 individuals completed the Life Satisfaction Index–Adolescents and the Arc’s Self-Determination Scale at study baseline and again 1 year later. Controlling for perceived quality of life at baseline and other relevant health and demographic variables, linear regression analysis was performed to examine the longitudinal relationship between self-determination and perceived quality of life. Self-determination was significantly associated with two subdomains of quality of life over time. Those individuals with higher self-determination at baseline reported higher perceptions of satisfaction with both personal development and personal fulfillment 1 year later. Findings suggest that there may be a relationship between self-determination and specific subdomains of perceived quality of life for youth and young adults with chronic conditions and disabilities that extends over time. Studies using larger international samples followed over a longer period of time are required to substantiate these findings.

Citation Information
Janette McDougall, Jan Evans and Patricia Baldwin. "The Importance of Self-Determination to Perceived Quality of Life for Youth and Young Adults With Chronic Conditions and Disabilities" Remedial and Special Education Vol. 31 Iss. 4 (2010) p. 252 - 260
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/janette-mcdougall/71/