A MEDIATIONAL MODEL OF QUALITY-OF-LIFE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SEVERE MENTAL-HEALTH PROBLEMS

Background. Despite the increasing importance of quality of life in th e mental health field, the theoretical conceptualization of the constr uct remains poorly developed. A proposed mediational model of quality of life, which links subjective quality of life with self-related cons tructs, is examined with a group of long-term psychiatric hostel resid ents. The present study aims to develop a measure of quality of life b ased on the proposed model, to explore the data and their implications for service development and finally to conduct a preliminary analysis of the model's predictions. Method. A cross-sectional research design was employed. Quality of life interviews, using a modified version of Lehman's Quality of Life Interview, were carried out with 54 psychiat ric residents in Greece. The model's predictions were examined by usin g a series of regression analyses. Results. The results indicate that perceived improvements in lifestyle, greater autonomy and positive sel f-concept are significantly and directly associated with better qualit y of life. In contrast, a direct relationship between objective indica tors and subjective quality of life was not found. Conclusions. The tr aditional two-part quality of life model that includes objective indic ators of life circumstances and subjective indicators is extended to i ncluded the constructs of self-concept and perceived autonomy. The pre sent extended mediational model of quality of life for individuals wit h long-term mental health problems appears to have important implicati ons for the planning and delivery of mental health programmes.