What do stakeholders understand by self-determination? Consensus for its evaluation

Abstract

Background: Advances in international studies on self-determination point out the need for continuous efforts to deepen its understanding and implications. The aim of this study is to obtain a comprehensive pool of items to operationalize the self- determination construct that serves as a starting point towards a valid instrument based on the reports of others. Method: We conducted a Delphi study of three rounds involving three panels of ex-perts: ten professionals, five people with intellectual disability and six relatives of people with intellectual disability. Data analysis required both qualitative and quanti-tative methods. Results: The initial pool of 131 items was refined through the different rounds to a final set composed of 115?some were removed and new ones were added. Content- based evidence is provided. In this study, the present authors generated a potential valid pool of items to develop a new measurement tool based on the latest advances on the self- determination theoretical framework. Conclusions: The implications for future research focus on strengthening the knowl-edge of self- determination.