The Role of Gender, Race/Ethnicity, and Disability Status on the Relationship Between Student Perceptions of School and Family Support and Self-Determination

Abstract

The role of gender, race/ethnicity, and disability category in the relationship between student perceptions of family support of personal growth and school facilitation of student involvement and the development of self-determination was examined in a sample of 190 diverse high school students with disabilities. Results indicated that both school and family support was positively related to self-determination. Disability group and gender were significant contributors to level of self-determination of students whereas age and race/ethnicity were not. Implications for practice include a discussion of ways in which schools can provide collaborative opportunities for the development of self-determination that are sensitive to individual youth differences.