Decision-making is contextual and can be influenced by many factors which change as a result of our external or internal environment.
Factors that can affect decision-making ability include:
- the personal circumstances of decision maker;
- the nature of the decision to be made;
- the environment the decision is being made in; and
- the types of supports available.
Factors relating to the person making the decision
Many personal factors can affect a person's decision-making ability and whether any support is required. Factors to consider relating to the person making the decision include:
- How interested is the person in the decision?
- What is the person's physical or mental health like? Do they have an illness or condition that affects decision-making? Are they under the influence of alcohol, drugs or anaesthetics?
- Does the person have decision-making skills and experience? Do they want support with decision-making?
- Are there personal stressors or social issues which may affect the person's emotional well-being and stress level? Is there a lot of conflict with others surrounding the decision?
- What knowledge does the person have about the topics surrounding the decision?
- Is there effective communication between the decision-maker and others?
- Is the person confident about engaging in the decision-making process?
Factors relating to the decision itself
The kind of decision being made can affect decision-making and any support required. Factors to consider relating to the kind of decision include:
- What type of decision is being made? Is it a financial, health or personal decision?
- Is the decision simple or complicated? Does it involve complex information? Is the decision surrounded by family conflict?
- Is the decision urgent? Can the decision wait until another time?
- What are the ongoing, long and short-term implications of the decision? Does the decision impact on one or many people?
- Are there any system limitations, such as funding, limited service, or remote location?
Factors relating to the environment the decision is being made in
The environment surrounding the person can affect decision-making, and any support required. Factors to consider relating to the environment include:
- Are there any cultural, religious or language factors that can influence the decision?
- Does the person live in a rigid and controlling or flexible environment?
- Where is the person making the decision? Is it noisy, distracting, busy, hot? Is it associated with unpleasant memories and feelings?
- Is anyone intentionally or unknowingly influencing the decision in some way?
- Does the person have access to the resources they need to engage in the decision-making process, such as communication aids, other support, education or training? Is the expectation to make the decision too low or too high?
Factors relating to a supporter
A supporter can affect the decision made by a person. Factors to consider include:
- Does the person require a supporter?
- What are the supporter's values and beliefs?
- Does the supporter empower the person?
- How does the supporter provide information? Are they influencing the person rather than supporting them?
- Is there a conflict of interest?
