A pilot study of pre- and postpsychosocial indicators of Israel's individualized budget program among different disability populations.

Abstract

Objective: The personalization in disability support emphasizes autonomy and tailored services. Individualized budget programs embody this approach, enabling participants to control resources and improve quality of life. This study, framed within self-determination theory, aimed to evaluate the contribution of Israel's individualized budget program. The analysis examined pre- and postprogram psychosocial outcomes-life satisfaction, subjective well-being, social participation, choices exercised, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and loneliness-with exploratory analyses conducted within two groups: individuals with mental health disabilities and those with physical or sensory disabilities.

Methods: This pilot study included 21 participants enrolled in the program, with mental health (n = 15) and physical/sensory disabilities (n = 6) subgroups. Data were collected at program entry and follow-up, and paired-sample t tests were used to assess pre-post changes in psychosocial outcomes.

Results: For the total sample, significant improvements were observed in life satisfaction and subjective well-being. No significant changes were found in social participation, choices exercised, self-efficacy, self-esteem, or loneliness. Exploratory analyses within disability subgroups revealed different patterns of change across these measures.

Conclusions and implications for practice: The findings highlight individualized budgeting's potential to enhance psychosocial outcomes, particularly life satisfaction and subjective well-being for the total sample. Exploratory analyses within disability subgroups suggest potential differences in program benefits that warrant investigation in larger studies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).