Individualized vs. global assessments of quality of life after head injury and their susceptibility to response shift.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to compare individualized and global assessments of quality of life (QoL) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to investigate perceived changes in QoL.


METHODS
The Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life (SEIQoL-DW) and Hadorn's overall 1-10 QoL Scale were administered to 28 participants 1-10 years post-injury together with the GOS-E, HADS and SF-36. Perceived change in quality of life after TBI was investigated by comparing current and retrospective judgements.


RESULTS
Correlations between the QoL measures confirm validity of the SEIQoL-DW; however, correlations were generally stronger for the simpler 1-10 Scale. Paradoxically, there was little overall change in the mean QoL when current and retrospective judgements were compared; with some participants reporting worse quality of life before injury. A positive change in perceived QoL was associated with better overall functioning.


CONCLUSIONS
Where an overall rating of QoL is required it seems that Hadorn's 1-10 Scale is a simpler and more direct measure than the SEIQoL-DW. The greater detail provided by the SEIQoL-DW may mean it is of benefit when looking at individual differences. The results suggest that both the SEIQoL-DW and Hadorn's scale are susceptible to response shift (where a person changes the basis on which they evaluate QoL); and this has implications for the interpretation of QoL assessments.
Blair
Hannah
H
Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK. h.c.blair@stir.ac.uk
Wilson
Lindsay
L
Gouick
Jo
J
Gentleman
Douglas
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult