Exploring Student, Family, and School Predictors of Self-Determination Using NLTS2 Data

This study conducted secondary analysis of data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2) to examine the degree to which student, family, and school constructs predicted self-determination outcomes. Multi-group structural equation modeling was used to examine predictive relationships between 5 students, 4 family, and 7 school constructs developed from NLTS2 data and self-determination outcomes (autonomy, psychological empowerment, and self-realization) across disability groups. The pattern of predictive relationship between the constructs and self-determination outcomes across disability groups was complex. Only one construct--self-concept--showed a positive predictive relationship with all three self-determination constructs across most disability groups. Implications of the complex pattern of findings for research and practice are discussed. [This article was published in "Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals," v39 n1 p23-33 Feb 2016.]