Quality Measures: A Review of Quality of Life Measurement for Counselors

Abstract

Quality of life (QoL) as a measure in counseling research is rarely used. Measures for well-being or wellness take the place of the multi-dimensional concept of QoL in the work of many counselors. However, QoL measures are used widely in medical practice and related research. Therefore, counselors preparing to work in integrated care settings with other medical professionals, or counselors and researchers looking to expand their assessment options and knowledge, may benefit from understanding when and how to use QoL measures. This article provides an overview of the concept of QoL, a review of three QoL measures, and a case application to help familiarize counselors with the use of QoL measures. Future research with QoL in counseling applications is also discussed.

Keywords:

• Quality of life
• measurement
• review
• outcomes
• well-being

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on Contributors

Andrew Wood is an Assistant Professor of Counseling in the School of Human Services at the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Amanda C. La Guardia is an Associate Professor of Counseling in the School of Human Services at the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Alexandra Mott is a doctoral student in the Counselor Education Program in the School of Human Services at the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio.