The Predictive Role of Self-Determination and Psychological Empowerment on Job Satisfaction in Persons with Intellectual Disability

Objectives This study aimed at exploring the predictive role of self-determination and psychological empowerment on job satisfaction in persons with intellectual disability. Methods The study involved 80 Italian adult workers with a mild and moderate intellectual disability. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was carried out. Results The results of regression analyses carried out, controlling for age, gender, and level of intellectual disability showed a significant and positive direct effect of self-determination and psychological empowerment on job satisfaction (∆R 2 = .394, p ˂ .001), and a significant interaction effect of these dimensions on job satisfaction (∆R 2 =.043,p =.016). Conclusions These results have important implications for practice as they emphasized that specific interventions aimed at promoting self-determination and psychological empowerment throughout the life span of individuals with intellectual disability can be useful to help them achieve positive inclusion outcomes in adult life.