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University of Washington

E-Community Activity: Defining Self-Determination

Send this message to the e-community of protégés and mentors.

Subject: Defining self-determination

"Self-determination" means you have control over your life, something we all strive for. It can be defined as a combination of skills, knowledge, and beliefs that enable a person to engage in

  • goal-directed,
  • self-regulated, and
  • autonomous behavior.

What does "goal-directed," "self-regulated," or "autonomous" mean to you? Give an example of when you exhibited this quality or when you did not.