Work participation of cognitively able adults with ASD from the self-determination theory perspective

Abstract

Motivation is a crucial factor of successful work participation Few studies explicitly adopt a specific theory to examine the motivational state of work participation in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Taiwan The self-determination theory (SDT) stresses that external supports may facilitate the motivation stage shifting that leads to long-term behavioral changes Understanding the current status of basic psychological needs and motivation in ASD would inform us for intervention design Thus this study adapted the SDT to examine three basic psychological needs motivation stage and effort of work participation in cognitively adults with ASD We used the self-reported online questionnaires modified from existing literature The results indicated that our sample was most satisfied with authonomy but less so with competence They percieved significantly different levels of identification toward different motivation styles Similar to healthy population they showed a positive desire for work As for the effort in job-seeking about half of them reported giving their best effort The population showed a tendency relaying upon themselves instead of coleagues’ and friends’ helps In agreement with the SDT higher sense of competency was associated with higher autonomous motivation and lower controlled motivation The results also suggested that higher external motivation was associated with greater effort and frequency of actions in job-seeking This study is among the first to provide evidences regarding the motivational state of work participation in ASD in Taiwan Future studies should include qualitative data from multiple perspectives and a lontitudinal study design to further understand the issue

Date of Award	2020
Original language	English
Supervisor	Pai-Chuan Huang (Supervisor)