Self-determination and quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Past, present, and future of close research paths

Abstract

In recent decades, research in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities has targeted self-determination and quality of life constructs. Quality of life has been extensively studied within various theoretical frameworks. It has been used to guide the provision of appropriate support in daily life. In addition, a vast body of scientific literature has focused on the theoretical and practical underpinnings of self-determination as a construct in itself. To understand how self-determination is an essential supporting concept in the quality of life paradigm, this brief report unravels the complementary but unique role that each construct (quality of life and self-determination) embodies. Furthermore, we discuss the role of self-determination in the scientific literature and in the quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, reflecting on how both lines of research can converge and be aligned from a common approach. The aim is to drive attention to areas of future research development that strengthen understanding of quality of life and the self-determination construct.