The goal of the research is to create a scale, that will be based on a comprehensive theory of the Self-Perceived Quality of Life (SPQL) and provide a multi-faceted measurement of health-related and non-health-related aspects of well-being (click here to see the SPQL theory diagram).

The improvement of mental disorders may have an effect on multiple domains of an individual’s life which could be captured only through a comprehensive measurement. For example, the treatment of a phobia may reduce fear (mental health index), which could lead to the improvement of social relations (social relations index) and, in turn, performance at work, resulting in an increase in salary (financial index). Hence, in order to detect all implications of a treatment (e.g., for a phobia), a comprehensive measurement across multiple domains of an individual’s life is needed. The SPQL scale can provide such a comprehensive measurement.

The scale is designed in an electronic format. The software calculates scores automatically; this allows for advanced quantification methods. The automatic calculations and quantification methods allowed undertaking a comprehensive approach for assessing SPQL from multiple facets. A multi-facet approach, in turn, provides a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of mental health interventions (through pre and post tests).

The scale emerged from synthesis of existing theories including: (a) subjective well-being, (b) developmental life-stages, (c) different categories of human needs, (d) quality of life, and (e) subjective evaluation processes. The scale consists of three axes: Subjective well-being, positive and negative affect, and fulfillment of needs (click here to see the SPQL theory diagram).

The scale will (a) identify possible side effects of psychiatric or psychological interventions which could occur in multiple domains of an individual’s life, (b) detect the occurrence of relapses, (c) assist in evaluating the progress of recovery, (d) measure the effects of various non-normative positive and negative events (e.g., divorce, promotion at work, becoming a parent) on an individual’s life as a whole and trace the course of their development, (e) evaluate an individual’s SPQL throughout the lifespan, (f) predict depression, anxiety, and mood, and (g) assess the effectiveness of interventions intended to enhance well-being and improve quality of life on an individual level.

The scale would be of use to insurers because it would help in evaluating the effectiveness of mental health interventions. This scale could be used by individual mental health professionals to evaluate the progress of treatment. This would be useful for clients as well because they themselves would be able to compare their initial scores with scores after intervention. Because the scale is available online, clients are able to complete the questionnaire outside of the therapy sessions. The scale also could be used in medical settings to assess how medical treatment affects a patient’s life overall and in specific aspects overtime, as well as allow detecting psychological side effects.

Click here to see the SPQL theory diagram.