The Effect of Self-determination on the Quality of Life of People with Developmental Disabilities: Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Disability Acceptance

This study aims to investigate the mediating effect of disability acceptance on the relationship between self-determination of people with developmental disabilities and their quality of life. To achieve this, data from the third wave (2020) of the Disability and Dynamics panal established by the Korea Disabled People’s Development Institute were utilized, with a sample comprising 484 people with developmental disabilities. The analysis employed a bootstrapping approach utilizing the Process Macro to verify the mediating effects. The results of the analysis are as follows: First, the self-determination of people with developmental disabilities positively influences their quality of life. Second, the self-determination of people with developmental disabilities has a positive impact on disability acceptance. Finally, in the relationship between self-determination and quality of life for people with developmental disabilities, disability acceptance showed a partial mediating effect. Based on these findings, practical implications and policy recommendations for enhancing self-determination and disability acceptance in people with developmental disabilities are discussed.