Searching an equilibrium of self-determination: voices of adults with mild intellectual disability and their significant others in Hong Kong

Abstract

AIM: In Hong Kong, the construct of self-determination (SD) has become increasingly important in the intellectual disabilities (ID) field. However, very little research has conceptualized it in the local population. It is known that individuals’ SD is influenced by interpersonal, ecological and cultural levels. This study aims to discover perceptions of adults with mild ID and their paid/unpaid carers towards SD, and to derive their SD concepts in the Chinese context. METHOD: A qualitative design with semi-structured focus group interviews was adopted. In total, 5 focus groups were conducted. Two groups comprised adults with mild ID, one parents, and the last two rehabilitation personnel. Open coding with grounded theory method (GTM) was used to analyze data. By coding, the concepts, categories and phenomena were discovered. RESULTS: Five clusters of data were formed with 12 categories and 18 sub-categories. Those are Meaning of SD, Goal Pursuit, Supports to SD by Significant Others, Factors Affecting the Exercise of SD, and Who Makes the Decision?. CONCLUSION: The cluster Who Makes the Decision? reflects all parties are looking for the equilibrium of SD. Their dilemma and struggles are discussed. Studies for filling the research gaps will also be suggested.