ABSTRACT
The recognition of self-determination has also become evident in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD), as the person must assume him/herself as an active agent and decision-maker in his/her own life. Learning self-determined skills is fundamental given their contextual transversality and should not be restricted to the period of adolescence. In Portugal, evidence is scarce and based on the previous model. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the self-determination profile, in the light of the causal agent theory, of adults with IDD, in order to analyze the variables that influence it. The Portuguese version of the Self-Determination Inventory was applied to 44 participants aged between 21-73 years old (40.77±12.07), 20 females and 24 males. Half of the sample were participants with IDD, all institutionalized. Internal consistency was acceptable (α=.65). The comparative analysis by diagnosis, gender, age, academic qualifications, professional status and place of residence showed a tendency towards similar profiles (p>.05). The differences found are associated with more self-determined profiles of adults with ID, inferring the greater weight of involvement characteristics than individual ones (diagnosis). People with IDD recognize self-determination as relevant and present decision-making skills. Recommendations for research and practice will be advanced.
KEYWORDS
Self-determination; Intellectual and Developmental Disability; Inventory; Variables; Comparison