Abstract
Improvement of subjective quality of life (QoL) is seen as an important treatment outcome in clinical practice. The aim of this study is to test the theoretical model of Cummins, which includes a homeostatic management system. According to this model, objective variables are almost irrelevant to general well-being, while the feeling of having an influence on one’s circumstances (perceived deficit) is related to subjective QoL. The variables of the Cummins model were operationalised based on the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile, a structured interview to assess the subjective QoL of people with severe mental health problems. The Cummins model was tested using structural equation modelling and a mediator model between Objective QoL, Subjective QoL and Perceived Deficit. Subjective QoL and General Well-Being were significantly related and having a meaningful perspective in life was related to General Well-Being. Contrary to the Cummins model, both Objective QoL and Perceived Deficit had a significant relation to Subjective QoL and Perceived Deficit was a partial mediator between Objective QoL and Subjective QoL. Cummins’ theoretical model was partially confirmed. The current study suggests that meaningful (treatment) evaluation of subjective QoL can only be performed if objective QoL, General Well-Being and subjective evaluation (Perceived Deficit and Framework) are taken into account.
Highlights
Quality of life (QoL) has become a major topic in mental health care
The current study suggests that meaningful evaluation of subjective QoL can only be performed if objective QoL, General Well-Being and subjective evaluation (Perceived Deficit and Framework) are taken into account
The results of this study show that both objective QoL and perceived deficit have a positive influence on subjective QoL
Summary
Quality of life (QoL) has become a major topic in mental health care. This has to do with a number of fundamental changes in mental health care in the 1990s. Improvement in QoL is seen as an important treatment outcome [9,10,11,12]. These changes have resulted in more attention being paid to the influence of psychiatric disorders on daily functioning, on well-being, and on environmental resources [13,14,15]. Subjective QoL dimensions relate to feelings of well-being and satisfaction
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have