The management of subjective quality of life by short-stay hospital patients: an exploratory study.
BACKGROUND
This study tested the homeostatic model of subjective quality of life in a group of 47 short stay patients as they progressed through the stages of hospitalization for surgery.


METHODS
Participants completed a questionnaire measuring subjective quality of life, positive and negative affect, self-esteem, optimism and cognitive flexibility, the day prior to admission (T1), two days post-operation (T2) and one week after discharge (T3). Neuroticism and Extroversion were measured at Time 1.


RESULTS
All variables remained stable across the three times, apart from positive affect, which dropped significantly post-operation but returned to its previous level post discharge.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the homeostatic model of subjective quality of life was supported at Time 1, the analyses raise doubts about the stability of personality. This finding is consistent with recent discussions of personality.
Mellor
David J
DJ
School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia. mellor@deakin.edu.au
Cummins
Robert A
RA
Karlinski
Evelyn
E
Storer
Shane P
SP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires