Questions on Life Satisfaction (FLZM) -: A short questionnaire for assessing subjective quality of life

A short questionnaire for assessing general and health-related quality of life is presented. Test construction and psychometric evaluation are described and recent findings obtained with the instrument reported and plans for developing additional modules outlined. Questions on Life Satisfaction(Modules) (in the original German: FLZ(M), Fragen zur Lebenszufriedenheit(Module)) combines three features: economy, modular structure, and individual weighting of items. The questionnaire consists of two 8-item modules, "General Life Satisfaction" and "Satisfaction with Health." The respondent rates each items twice, once for the subjective importance of the aspects of life or health addressed, and once for the degree of satisfaction in that area. The two ratings are combined into a "weighted satisfaction" score. The total score is the sum of these eight scores. Norms for Germany and Spain have been established. Data for patients from different diagnostic groups in Germany are also available. The work in progress on international versions (UK English, US English, Dutch, Spanish, and Italian) and on additional modules is discussed.