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Quality of Life

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Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology

Definition

Quality of life (QOL) is a multifaceted concept that has been defined and measured in multiple ways. Conceptualizations of QOL have included physical and psychosocial variables such as health status, functioning, limitations in physical activity, personal accomplishments, satisfaction with life, happiness, well-being, self-esteem, psychosocial functioning, and community participation.

Despite the increasing use of the QOL in research and its importance as a means of evaluating clinical services, there is little agreement in the literature about what QOL is and how it should be measured. Attempts to define QOL have not resulted to date in a widely accepted, singular definition. Hence, use of the concept for research or clinical purposes requires that QOL be defined conceptually as well as operationally.

Current Knowledge

Current research of QOL has been characterized by attempts to develop conceptual clarity and by ongoing development of measures that reflect these...

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References and Readings

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Correspondence to Theodore Tsaousides .

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Tsaousides, T., Mascialino, G. (2018). Quality of Life. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1099

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