A Multivariate Analysis of the Self-Determination of Adolescents

Authors: Nota, Laura¹; Soresi, Salvatore¹; Ferrari, Lea¹; Wehmeyer, Micheal²

Source: Journal of Happiness Studies, Volume 12, Number 2, April 2011 , pp. 245-266(22)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Self-determination is a general psychological construct within the organizing structure of theories of human agentic behavior. People who are self-determined act volitionally to serve as the causal agent in their lives. To provide a fuller understanding of the self-determination of adolescents, this study collected data on self-determination, quality of life, self-efficacy, and assertiveness for more than 1,400 Italian adolescents. We conducted a series of Multivariate Analyses of Variance to examine the relationships among, differences between, and associations with self-determination, including any differences as a function of age and gender as well as differences in quality of life, self-efficacy, and assertiveness as a function of level of selfdetermination. We also examined which quality of life factors were associated with enhanced self-determination and self-efficacy. Findings support the importance of self-determination to quality of life and enhanced self-efficacy.

Keywords: Self-determination; Quality of life; Self-efficacy; Adolescents; Assertiveness

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10902-010-9191-0

Affiliations: 1: Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Belzoni, 80-35121, Padova, Italy 2: Department of Special Education, University of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Room 3136, Lawerence, KS, 66045, USA, Email: wehmeyer@ku.edu

Publication date: 2011-04-01