Exploring Parent/Caregiver Perspectives of Self-Determination and Its Impact on Mental Health in Adolescents with and without Disabilities

Introduction. Parents and caregivers play key roles in supporting the development of self-determination and mental health needs in adolescents with and without disabilities. This study explored parent/caregiver perceptions of the relationships among mental health and self-determination constructs for youth with disabilities, across gender and disability status. Method. Parents/caregivers of adolescents with and without disabilities completed rating scales regarding adolescents' self-determination status (Self Determination Inventory) and mental health symptoms (Behavior Assessment System for Children, 3rd Edition). Bayesian analyses examined the relationships among self-determination and mental health status. Results. Results are mixed, indicating moderate to robust relationships for self-determination as a moderator for the relationship between disability status and adaptive skills and behavioral symptoms, but mixed results for self-determination as a moderator of those demographic variables on internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Conclusion. While sample size is limited, results suggest that there are potential relationships among these variables that warrant further exploration.