Essential characteristics of self-determined behavior of individuals with mental retardation.

Despite increased emphasis on self-determination for individuals with mental retardation, only a few theoretical models have been formulated that specify measurable characteristics for the promotion and evaluation of this outcome. We propose that self-determination refers to acting as the primary causal agent in one's life and making choices and decisions regarding one's quality of life free from undue external influence or interference. Self-determined behavior is autonomous, self-regulated, based on psychological empowerment, and self-realizing. We evaluated this definition by asking participants with mental retardation to complete various instruments that measured self-determined behavior and these essential characteristics. Discriminant function analysis indicated that measures of essential characteristics predicted differences between groups based on exhibition of self-determined behavior.