Publication Date

3-1989

Degree Granted

Ph.D.

Institution Granting Degree

University of Minnesota

Abstract

The present study investigated constructs associated with the concept of quality of life in human service organizations serving persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. Four constructs (psychological well-being, physical well-being, social/emotional well-being, and personal well-being) were identified as a result of separate procedures involving cluster analysis and factor analysis. Quality of life assessments were completed on 70 clients (43 males and 27 females) ranging in functional level from profound to mildly retarded.

A principle components analysis of this data yielded a four factor solution with eigenvalues greater than one that accounted for 79.5% of the variance. Psychological well-being (factor one) accounted for 46.6% of the variance. Physical Well-being (factor two) accounted for 29.0% of the variance. Social/Emotional well-being (factor three) accounted for 13.1% of the variance. Personal Well-being (factor four) accounted for 11.3% of the variance.

Internal consistency was examined by using coefficient alpha. The subscale reliabilities were.9367 for factor one,.8259 for factor two,.8039 for factor three, and.6641 for factor four. Personal well-being would require an additional seven items to reach the desired level of internal consistency.

The investigator also found from the importance study there is some similarity between the rankings of clients, parents, and staff as to the importance placed on items to be used in quality of life ratings. The significance of the Coefficient of Concordance (W =.5836) was assessed using a Chi-Square test. The Null Hypothesis of no agreement across the rankings was rejected at the.001 level. Input from clients, parents, and staff members was used to modify items to address Leismer's concern that quality of life measures be consistent with the views of consumers.

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