Testing an Expanded Self-Determination Theory as a Model of Career Commitment for Young Adults with Epileps

Epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder and can limit full participation of young adults with epilepsy in the community, particularly in the area of employment. Historically, seizures or a diagnosis of epilepsy have been considered a major factor contributing to the unemployment issue. However, it has been argued that this unemployment issue is the result of a set of biopsychosocial factors interacting with each other. Although numerous biopsychosocial factors affecting employment have been identified, how they interact with each other remains unclear; moreover the element of motivation was not well addressed in extant studies. Given that a persons' motivation is considered relevant to career commitment, the purpose of this study was to test an expanded self-determination theory (SDT) incorporating person-environment contextual factors as a comprehensive model of career commitment for young adults with epilepsy.;One hundred and thirty two participants were recruited from one local non-profit organization and various state affiliates of the Epilepsy Foundation across the United States. Participants completed an online survey including a demographic questionnaire and 23 self-report measures. Data were analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis and mediation analysis. The final regression model accounted for 24% of the variance in career commitment and 51% of variance in readiness for career pursuit, with core self-evaluations (CSE) being the strongest predictor of career commitment and family support being the strongest predictor of readiness for career pursuit. A mediation analysis revealed that CSE partially mediated the relationship between autonomy and readiness for career pursuit. The results of this study provide empirical supports for the use of an expanded SDT as a comprehensive model in predicting career commitment and readiness for career pursuit for young adults with epilepsy.