Autonomy Perceptions and Anxiety Expressions of Learning Disabled Adolescents

Abstract

In order to examine autonomy levels and anxiety expressions of LD young adolescents, 40 male students of the sixth and the seventh grades (aged 12 to 14), divided into two matched groups (LD and nonLD), were studied. The Autonomy Multiple Choice measure and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were individually administered to each subject. Significant differences between groups were found using two separate MANOVAs. The LDs demonstrated lower levels of autonomy in situations where the source of press was situational (trauma) or personal (parents or peers). High and stable levels of anxiety were also found (Trait anxiety) in this group. The results pinpointed the complicated therapeutic and educational dilemma between the outcome of excessive support and training or the attainment of an independence and autonomy. Further milieu oriented intervention programs are recommended to account for this complex problem.