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Causal Agency Theory

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Development of Self-Determination Through the Life-Course

Abstract

Causal Agency Theory is an extension of the Functional Theory of Self-Determination; both theories describe how one becomes self-determined. These theories have been widely applied in the field of special education, and conceptualize self-determination as a dispositional characteristic (enduring tendencies used to characterize and described differences between people) based on the function given actions serve for an individual. This chapter will introduce and overview Causal Agency Theory, tracing its evolution from the functional model of self-determined behavior and its increasing application to all people, including those with disabilities. Causal Agency Theory will provide an organizational framework for the remainder of the text.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Special Education, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA

    Karrie A. Shogren & Michael L. Wehmeyer

  2. University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA

    Susan B. Palmer

Authors
  1. Karrie A. Shogren
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  2. Michael L. Wehmeyer
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  3. Susan B. Palmer
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Karrie A. Shogren .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Special Education, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA

    Michael L. Wehmeyer

  2. Special Education, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA

    Karrie A. Shogren

  3. Educational Psychology and Leadership, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA

    Todd D. Little

  4. Gallup and The Clifton Strengths School, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

    Shane J. Lopez

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Shogren, K.A., Wehmeyer, M.L., Palmer, S.B. (2017). Causal Agency Theory. In: Wehmeyer, M., Shogren, K., Little, T., Lopez, S. (eds) Development of Self-Determination Through the Life-Course. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-1042-6_5

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