Exploring the interplay between adaptive behavior, support needs, quality of life, and self-determination with...

This study examined the correlations between adaptive behavior, support needs, quality of life (QOL), and self-determination in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The sample comprised 80 adults (>18 y, 27 ± 13.8), 40 women and 40 men, with mild and moderate IDD, all institutionalized. Portuguese versions of four instruments were administered: Adaptive Behavior Scale, Supports Intensity Scale, Personal Outcomes Scale, and Self-Determination Inventory. These were administered to better understand how these constructs interact with and influence one another in real-life contexts. The correlations between self-determination and adaptive behavior were weak to moderate, highlighting a more complex and possibly indirect relationship between these two constructs. Self-determination showed negative correlations with support needs, indicating that individuals with more supports need may face more barriers to acting autonomously or making meaningful choices. The findings revealed significant and positive correlations between the core components and essential characteristics of self-determination and various QOL domains. This suggests that individuals who report a higher QOL also tend to demonstrate greater self-determined behavior and are more likely to engage in volitional behavior. Notably, both QOL and support needs emerged as significant and robust predictors of self-determination, underscoring the central role played by contextual and environmental factors in shaping one's capacity to act with agency. These findings underscore the importance of fostering environments that not only reduce unnecessary support dependence, but also actively promote QOL, autonomy, and meaningful participation. Thus, services and policies can more effectively support the realization of self-determination for people with IDD.