Self-Determination and the Enrollment in and Completion of Postsecondary Education for Students With Disabilities
Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals
Published online on September 25, 2016
Abstract
This study conducted a secondary analysis using data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 (NLTS-2) to examine the degree to which three of the four essential characteristics of self-determination (autonomy, psychological empowerment, and self-realization) predict enrollment in, and completion of, postsecondary education programs for students with disabilities. Results suggest autonomy and psychological empowerment influence students’ enrollment in postsecondary education programs; higher levels of autonomy in females increase their odds of enrolling in a 4-year university; and students attending a rural school with higher levels of psychological empowerment are less likely to enroll in a 4-year university. Self-realization was the only characteristic that affected students’ completion of a postsecondary education program. Implications of the findings for research and practice are discussed.