| The current study examines the construct of self-determination and the presumed theoretical relationship between self-determination and quality of life by measuring self-reported self-determination and life satisfaction among high school students with and without disabilities. Differences across all domains of self-determination were found between groups. The relationship between self-determination and total life satisfaction was significant for students without disabilities. The relationship was not significant for students in special education, but the two constructs were positively correlated. Satisfaction with self, a domain of life satisfaction, was significantly related to self-determination among all groups. The current study underlines the need for continued research into development of self-determination for students with disabilities. It provides preliminary support for the relationship between self-determination and some aspects of life satisfaction. The results also support the need to look at life satisfaction as a multidimensional construct. Future research should examine self-determination in larger samples of students with disabilities and relate self-report to post-secondary outcomes and other indicators of well-being. Future studies should also examine pathways in the development of self-determination in educational and home environments. |
