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Decision Making and Self-Determination

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Decision Making by Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Part of the book series: Positive Psychology and Disability Series ((POPD))

Abstract

The decision-making process does not exist in a vacuum, either theoretically or practically. This process may incorporate multiple skills and abilities, such as problem-solving, goal-setting, or choice-making skills, and can integrate interests and values. Also, the decision-making process is influenced by contexts and the types of decisions being made. The purpose of this chapter is to situate decision making into the broader psychological construct of self-determination. Doing so enables us to better understand the development of decision-making skills and to understand how elements that may be incorporated into the decision-making process, such as problem-solving, goal setting and attainment, interests and preference, and motivation, interact and influence decisions. Further, it enables us to understand how decision making contributes to broader life outcomes, such as enhanced self-determination and autonomy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA

    Michael L. Wehmeyer

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  1. Michael L. Wehmeyer
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Correspondence to Michael L. Wehmeyer .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Education, St. John‘s University, Queens, NY, USA

    Ishita Khemka

  2. Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA

    Linda Hickson

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Wehmeyer, M.L. (2021). Decision Making and Self-Determination. In: Khemka, I., Hickson, L. (eds) Decision Making by Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Positive Psychology and Disability Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-74675-9_1

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