QUALITY-OF-LIFE - A REVIEW OF THEORY AND PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH LONG-TERM MENTAL-ILLNESS

The author discusses the application of quality of life theory and measurement issues to individuals with disabilities by reviewing general literature sources on the quality of life, as well as sources related to quality of life and individuals with disabilities. Using persons with long-term mental illness as an illustration of quality of life approaches, the author describes two models of quality of life, life satisfaction and adaptive functioning, measurement instruments related to these models, and findings related to this population. Conclusions include the difficulties of adopting quality of life instruments as program evaluation tools, as well as the need for further research, particularly longitudinal studies examining the quality of life and individuals with disabilities.