ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SELF-DETERMINED BEHAVIOR OF INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION

Despite increased emphasis on self-determination for individuals with mental retardation, only a few theoretical models have been formulated that specify measurable characteristics for the promotion and evaluat ion of this outcome. We propose that self-determination refers to acti ng as the primary causal agent in one's life and making choices and de cisions regarding one's quality of life free from undue external influ ence or interference. Self-determined behavior is autonomous, self-reg ulated, based on psychological empowerment, and self-realizing. We eva luated this definition by asking participants with mental retardation to complete various instruments that measured self-determined behavior and these essential characteristics. Discriminant function analysis i ndicated that measures of essential characteristics predicted differen ces between groups based on exhibition of self-determined behavior.