A Meta-Analysis of Self-Determination Interventions for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

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Bibliographic Details
Title: A Meta-Analysis of Self-Determination Interventions for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Language: English
Authors: Benjamin S. Riden (ORCID 0000-0002-6733-1942), Joshua M. Pulos, Corey Peltier (ORCID 0000-0003-3138-4126), Art Dowdy (ORCID 0000-0001-6466-6774), Noah A. Wisnieski, Megan E. Bell, Alexandra P. Brandenberger, Jane E. Britton, Elisabeth R. Morris
Source: Behavioral Disorders. 2026 51(3):160-176.
Availability: SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Descriptors: Self Determination, Intervention, Students with Disabilities, Behavior Disorders, Emotional Disturbances, Behavioral Science Research, Student Behavior, Evidence Based Practice
DOI: 10.1177/01987429251400222
ISSN: 0198-7429
2163-5307
Abstract: Self-determination is a latent variable that has been conceptualized differently across academic domains. Due to the variability in the conceptualization of self-determination interventions, a thorough exploration of the approaches is needed. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to explore the literature-base on self-determination interventions to establish if the strategy is an evidence-based practice for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. We examined whether self-determination is an evidence-based practice by evaluating the risk of bias and quantitative evidence available for qualifying interventions. Although case-level effect sizes varied, the results indicate that self-determination interventions were associated with significant behavioral changes for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. However, approximately 12.5% of participants across studies had negative or negligible responses, suggesting the need to modify specific iterations based on student characteristics, environmental factors, and specific behavioral targets. The individual variability is consistent with the emphasis on individualization within special education and provides important guidance for teachers considering using the intervention to support students with emotional and behavioral disorders.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1502863
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:Self-determination is a latent variable that has been conceptualized differently across academic domains. Due to the variability in the conceptualization of self-determination interventions, a thorough exploration of the approaches is needed. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to explore the literature-base on self-determination interventions to establish if the strategy is an evidence-based practice for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. We examined whether self-determination is an evidence-based practice by evaluating the risk of bias and quantitative evidence available for qualifying interventions. Although case-level effect sizes varied, the results indicate that self-determination interventions were associated with significant behavioral changes for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. However, approximately 12.5% of participants across studies had negative or negligible responses, suggesting the need to modify specific iterations based on student characteristics, environmental factors, and specific behavioral targets. The individual variability is consistent with the emphasis on individualization within special education and provides important guidance for teachers considering using the intervention to support students with emotional and behavioral disorders.
ISSN:0198-7429
2163-5307
DOI:10.1177/01987429251400222