Development of Self-Determination Through the Life-Course

by Michael L. Wehmeyer (Editor), Karrie A. Shogren (Editor), Todd D. Little (Editor)

This volume examines the developmental aspects of the general psychological construct of self-determination. The term refers to self- (vs. other-) caused action to people acting volitionally as based on their own will. Research conducted in the fields of psychology and education shows the importance of self-determination to adolescent development and positive adult outcomes. The first part of this volume presents an overview of theories and historical antecedents of the construct. It looks at the role of self-determination in major theories of human agentic behavior and of adolescent development and individuation. The second part of the volume examines the developmental origins and the trajectory of self-determination in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, and looks as aging aspects. The next part presents studies on the evolutionary aspects, individual differences and healthy psychological development. The last part of the book covers the development of causal and agentic capability."

Genres: Psychology

321 pages, Hardcover

Published February 24, 2017

About the author

Michael L. Wehmeyer, PhD, is Distinguished Professor Emeritus and former Director, Beach Center on Disability and Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities at the University of Kansas. He has edited or authored 50 books and almost 500 scholarly articles and book chapters on topics related to special education, understanding intellectual disability, eugenics, and self-determination. He is a Fellow and past-president of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, Division on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.