Examining the Factor Structure and Hierarchical Nature of the Quality of Life Construct

Abstract

There is considerable debate in the area of individual quality of life research regarding the factor structure and hierarchical nature of the quality of life construct. Our purpose in this study was to test via structural equation modeling an a priori quality of life model consisting of eight first-order factors and one second-order factor. Data were collected from 769 individuals with mild or moderate intellectual disability from 15 countries in four geographic regions. They all completed a multidimensional quality of life questionnaire. The presence of a single second-order factor in quality of life was empirically demonstrated through confirmatory factor analysis. Comparison of two alternative second-order quality of life factor models was further evaluated. Implications for future research, practice, and public policy regarding services to individuals with intellectual disability are also discussed.

Factors predicting quality of life for people with intellectual disability: Results from the ANFFAS study in Italy

“…This study provides an overview of the most significant predictive variables, confirming that QoL is a multicomponent concept (Wang et al, 2010). Overall, support needs seem to be the best predicting factor and its influence is strong and well represented in all the QoL domains.…”

“…In particular, the eight domains model, developed by Shalock and Verdugo (2002), has been widely used, consisting of emotional physical, and material wellbeing; personal development; social inclusion; interpersonal relationships; self-determination; rights; and incorporating three major factors of independence, social participation and wellbeing. The model structure has been empirically validated, and hierarchical domain empirically confirmed (Wang, Schalock, Verdugo, & Jenaro, 2010). The present study investigated personal outcomes using a QoL oriented perspective as emphasized by Shogren et al (2009, p. 312…”

Assessing Individual Support Needs to Enhance Personal Outcomes

“…The framework shown in Table 3 reflects the considerable international research on operationalizing the quality of life (QOL) concept through the identification of QOL factors, core QOL domains, and QOL-related indicators (Jenaro et al, 2005;Schalock et al, 2005;Wang, Schalock, Verdugo, and Jenaro, 2010). The three factors listed (independence, social participation, and well-being) represent higher order constructs and integrate the eight core QOL domains.…”

Adaptación de la Escala Integral de Calidad de Vida en personas con discapacidad intelectual y del desarrollo en población chilena

“…A pesar de que existen diversos modelos que describen la calidad de vida en personas con DID (Verdugo, Gómez, Arias y Navas, 2012), el modelo presentado por Shalock y Verdugo (2003) es el que ofrece más evidencias empíricas en su aplicación (e.g., Verdugo, Gómez, Schalock y Arias, 2011;Wang, Schalock, Verdugo y Jenaro, 2010). Según Vega, Jenaro, Flores, Cruz y Lerdo (2013, p.472) "este modelo permite comprender mejor cómo ofrecer los apoyos necesarios para mejorar la calidad de vida".…”