The Role of Self-Beliefs in Predicting Postschool Outcomes for Deaf Young Adults

The aim of this study was to explore the role of self-beliefs in predicting postschool outcomes for deaf young adults in transition from secondary settings. Three self-level constructs were explored: self-concept, self-determination, and expectations about the future. This study utilized data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2) that collected longitudinal data from youths with disabilities across the nation, 550 of which were deaf or hard of hearing and met the selection criteria in this study. This study examined the relationships between these deaf adolescents’ self-beliefs and actual future achievements that were reached as they transitioned to adult life, in three domains: life, employment, and education. Despite the generally positive self-beliefs of deaf individuals, which were, in some cases, related to postschool outcomes, the self-beliefs assessed in this study did not emerge as comprehensive predictors of postschool attainments. Findings suggest that for deaf individuals, successfully navigating transitions to adult life involves dimensions beyond individual agency. Positive self-beliefs are clearly a part of successfully attaining postschool outcomes, but deaf individuals may not have full access to equitable opportunities to capitalize on these beliefs.