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A Multivariate Analysis of the Self-Determination of Adolescents

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Abstract

Self-determination is a general psychological construct within the organizing structure of theories of human agentic behavior. People who are self-determined act volitionally to serve as the causal agent in their lives. To provide a fuller understanding of the self-determination of adolescents, this study collected data on self-determination, quality of life, self-efficacy, and assertiveness for more than 1,400 Italian adolescents. We conducted a series of Multivariate Analyses of Variance to examine the relationships among, differences between, and associations with self-determination, including any differences as a function of age and gender as well as differences in quality of life, self-efficacy, and assertiveness as a function of level of selfdetermination. We also examined which quality of life factors were associated with enhanced self-determination and self-efficacy. Findings support the importance of self-determination to quality of life and enhanced self-efficacy.

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Nota, L., Soresi, S., Ferrari, L. et al. A Multivariate Analysis of the Self-Determination of Adolescents. J Happiness Stud 12, 245–266 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-010-9191-0

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