Structural analysis of the consumer-directed theory of empowerment

This investigation tested the hypothesized structural model of the consumer-directed theory of empowerment (CDTE). Participants were 159 consumers with disabilities who were receiving services at a Clubhouse Model community rehabilitation program (CRP) in a large midwestern city. Data were gathered through participant completion of a self-report questionnaire designed to assess the level of consumer direction in the CRP service provision process, as well as the level of participant community integration, empowerment, and quality of life. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to test the structure of the CDTE. Although model respecification was necessary to obtain adequate fit, results provided support for the hypothesized CDTE structure. Additional longitudinal data on larger samples are required to further assess the structure of the CDTE and enhance its usefulness to rehabilitation counselors for service delivery, program evaluation, and policy analysis applications.