Exploring the Relationship Between Self-Determination and Economic Hardship Constructs among Adolescents with and without Disabilities

We will examine interrelationships between established constructs of self-determination and economic hardship using data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012 (NLTS2012). We propose to test the hypothesized factor structure of selected NLTS2012 items assessing constructs associated with self-determination (i.e., autonomy, psychological empowerment, and self-realization) using the full sample of youth with and without disabilities. Using latent variable modeling, we will explore interrelationships among these constructs and economic hardship across disability and race/ethnicity groups. We hypothesize there will be inverse relationships between economic hardship and the self-determination constructs, and this relationship will be more pronounced for youth of color, revealing systemic barriers. Findings will inform culturally responsive approaches to transition service delivery.