Daniel Ball

Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Ethel Perry

Abstract

AbstractWhile the heterogeneity of autism for adults has been much more accepted over the past 40 years, research still has a broad gap to fill as there is scarce empirical evidence on how interventions, such as motivational tactics, need to be adapted to meet individual abilities and needs. Also, the number of workers entering the workforce each year is growing as a ratio. It is posited by various authors that one in 52 people are now diagnosed as having the disorder and this number has doubled over the past decade. Furthermore, 80% of this population is underemployed or unemployed, representing a huge challenge. Thus, the purpose of this study was to better understand how this population experienced motivation when exposed to SMART goal setting while at work. To explore this topic, an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) qualitative study was conducted with workers diagnosed as having high functioning ASD and active in the workforce. Using a semi structured questionnaire and audio calls to collect the data, questions were posed to the participants to explore their experiences with SMART goals, a type of goal that is utilized commonly in goal setting. Answers were recorded and then transcribed. IPA was used to interpret the data once coded. All participants confirmed that when goals are assigned at work, they felt more intrinsically motivated and had more clarity and guidance for the work. By understanding motivational tendencies of this population, a better understanding of their critical needs might be gained in efforts to improve employability and advance positive social change.

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