Australian Centre on Quality of Life
The PWI scale contains seven items of satisfaction, each one corresponding to a quality of life domain as: standard of living, health, achieving in life, relationships, safety, community-connectedness, and future security. These seven domains are theoretically embedded, as representing the first level of deconstruction of the global question: "How satisfied are you with your life as a whole?"
The PWI has been adapted and validated with adults, children, and persons with an intellectual or cognitive disability. The International Wellbeing Group is working toward developing the PWI into a valid cross-cultural instrument. At the time of constructing the PWI 5th edition, over 150 researchers from more than 50 countries and provinces were engaged in this international collaboration.
Personal Wellbeing Index - Adult (PWI-A)
Manuals and translated manuals
Scale translations
Personal Wellbeing Index - Intellectual Disability (PWI-ID)
Manuals and translated manuals
Scale translations
Personal Wellbeing Index – School Children (PWI-SC)
Manuals and translated manuals
Scale translations
Subjective wellbeing (SWB) can be measured using a single item, known as the Global Life Satisfaction (GLS) measure. People can be asked to rate their global life satisfaction. This normally takes the form: "How satisfied are you with your life as a whole?" Although this question is an excellent measure of SWB, such single-item measures are less reliable than multi-item scales.
Beyond the PWI and GLS, researchers may be interested in other instruments related to quality of life. The Australian Centre on Quality of Life has compiled a directory of instruments to assist researchers in rapidly identifying these instruments. It does not provide details of psychometric performance. It does, however, provide reference to articles that report on the psychometric characteristics for each scale. Typically a maximum of two recent articles will be cited for this purpose.
Groups interested in using subjective wellbeing to measure the impact of community groups and public policy initiatives may request to use the Subjective Wellbeing Toolkit from the Community Indicators Victoria website.
| Date | Event/Deadline | Location | Conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 27 - March 3 | Conference | Sydney, Australia | International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership Exchange |
| March 20 - 22 | Conference | Rotterdam, The Netherlands | European Happiness Days |
| June 12 - 13 | Conference | Winnipeg, MB, Canada | 2017 Community Indicators Symposium |
| July 4 - 5 | Conference | Brighton, UK | IDENTITY: The European Conference on Psychology & Behaviourl Sciences 2017 |
Funding and awards are available for quality of life researchers at the following groups:
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Social Statistics, i.e.,mental health and well-being of subgroups, and Australia's economic and social indicators, i.e., GDP, labour force, income. Various publications may be purchased.
Australian Monthly Economic and Social Indicators
Monthly statistical bulletin
Canadian Council on Social Development
CCSD is a non-profit social policy and research organization focusing on issues such as poverty, disability, cultural diversity, child well-being, labour markets and housing.
Provides references for research on QOL in Canada, France, Spain etc.
International Society for QOL Studies
Bibliographies, references
This study is following a sample of income support (Centrelink) customers who were selected in such a way that ensured many of them had recently experienced homelessness (broadly defined). Its principal aim is to study housing transitions among a relatively disadvantaged sub-population.
Official UK statistics site. You can view and download a wealth of economic and social data FREE.
The official source for Canadian social and economic statistics and products.
Happiness-References, bibliographies,conceptualisation, measurability, indicators, theories. Papers can be purchased.
Chat group by sending "Subscribe Clinical-Psychologists" to LISTSERV@LISTSERV.NODAK.EDU
Discussions on the Theory and Practice of Community Psychology
Chat group by sending "SUBSCRIBE COMMPSY" to LISTSERV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Psychology Trends to Watch in 2014
As humans vary, so do psychologists. There are countless perspectives on human behavior, and while the early psychologists were more apt to move as a bloc from one dominant school of thought to the next, today’s psychologists have a long and rich history to draw from when studying their patients’ feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
Texas Healthcare Learning Collaborative
The purpose of this new e-mail SIG is to facilitate networking and the exchange of ideas and information among health professionals, youth and their family members, family scientists, policy makers, insurers, and others with knowledge and experience in the transition of youth from child-centered (pediatric) to adult-oriented health care. The process of health care transition is a significant one for youth with special needs, as well as their parents, siblings, and extended family. Family scientists have much to contribute, in developing and assessing evidenced based family-focused approaches to to this issue. If you would like to participate in this list, send a blank e-mail message to transition@list.ichp.edu
Australian Transcultural Mental Health Network
This is a national body that links State and Territory transcultural mental health centres and networks with the goal of improving mental health outcomes for Australia's diverse communities.
This site provides one place for Australian depression sufferers and their families and friends to find all their information, help and support needs. It's major objective is to reduce the impact of depression on the lives of Australian's by significantly increasing the proportion of sufferers who seek professional help and treatment.
National Association for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, dedicated to increasing the recognition and understanding of ME/CFS and providing support for people with ME/CFS through its affiliated Societies
Aims to support a better life for people affected by mental illness.
WayAhead - Mental Health Association, NSW
Contains a huge list of links about mental illness and psychiatric disability.
Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria
The objectives of the CDDHV are: To improve the quality of health care available to people with developmental disabilities throughout Victoria; To promote the awareness of health care issues of people with developmental disabilities amongst medical and other students, medical and other health professionals and service providers throughout Victoria.
International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disability
Promotes worldwide research and exchange of information on intellectual disabilities.
This site showcases promising practices and innovations to promote quality of life among persons with developmental disabilities.
Provides technical assistance to the State of New Jersey in the areas of planning and research relating to persons with developmental disabilities
The National Organisation of Qualified Mental Retardation Professionals
Formed to establish a strong resource for research, networking, and addressing issues that concern QMRP'S today.
Owned and operated by The Hunger Site Network as a way to get new funds for critical habitat and wilderness preservation using the power of the internet.
The leading independent campaigning organisation that uses peaceful direct action and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and to promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future.
The World Bank Group is one of the world's largest sources of development assistance. In Fiscal Year 2001, the institution provided more than US$17 billion in loans to its client countries. It works in more than 100 developing economies with the primary focus of helping the poorest people and the poorest countries.
International Society for Quality of Life Research
Advancing the scientific study of health-related quality of life and other patient-centered outcomes to identify effective interventions, enhance the quality of health care and promote the health of populations.
International Society for Quality of Life Studies
An international society whose purpose is to promote and encourage research in the field of quality-of-life (QOL) studies.
Research Associates for Happy Societies (IRAH) (Thailand)
A group of dedicated professionals, working to promote happiness and the well-being of the society, has created this cyber-space as a common space to exchange information on what makes life and societies happier, as well as on how to improve the well-being of the people in the society.
Developed by The Australia Institute, Australia's foremost public interest think tank.
Is your reliable source on addiction and the dangers of illicit substances. We cover how drugs and alcohol affect the body, how to identify the signs and symptoms of abuse, and where to seek effective treatment. Our mission is to guide you and your loved ones to a healthier life.
Our organization is dedicated to improving the overall quality of life for individuals with cerebral palsy.
Cerebral Palsy Guidance provides comprehensive medical information, ranging from treatment and causes, to symptoms and risk factors.
Dedicated to keeping the public informed about consumer dangers and safety issues associated with numerous products.
ConsumerSafety.org gathers and presents recall information on products, food, medical devices and drugs, and publishes consumer-related news and safety guides.
Control and Prevention HRQOL Website
This is a CDC/NCCDPHP website which gives an overview of national and state HRQOL surveillance and research activities based on the Health Days HRQOL measures and provides links to key national and international HRQOL resources.
Information and free resources for expecting parents.
A downloadable guide to Cord Blood Banking.
Details on the dangerous side-effects caused by some of the most commonly prescribed drugs and devices.
Drug Dangers is committed to providing the latest information on a range of medications and medical devices that have serious complications.
Each year, millions of people are affected by drug or medical device side effects. Staying informed can help you.
There are a variety of factors that contribute to addiction. On the surface, addiction can be caused by physical changes in the brain, that make the body crave certain types of drugs. However, genetic and environmental risk factors can contribute to addiction on a much deeper level. Our drug addiction page describes different types of drugs, what can cause addiction, certain symptoms, even complications after becoming dependent on drugs. There's still hope for recovery, and help is available for individuals who are fighting off addiction.
Elite Rehab Placement is a a leading, no cost rehab placement company that seeks to provide help to those struggling with addiction.
Environmental Illness Resources
Provides information and a community for sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and related illnesses including Fibromyalgia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Our resource takes a looks at mesothelioma and how to file a lawsuit including real life examples.
Misdiagnosis, injuries and facts
Commonwealth of Australia Department of Health and Aged Care
This disease is preventable and awareness is key in that prevention. Information about the danger that can come from exposure to asbestos.
Australia has the highest incidence of mesothelioma in the world. The Mesothelioma Center is an up-to-date resource for all mesothelioma issues ranging from asbestos exposure to its effects in causing malignant mesothelioma.
Our goal is to spread awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure.
Up-to-date mesothelioma information and resources for patients, family members, and friends.
Our mission is to offer excellent information about asbestos exposure, mesothelioma and healthcare support options. Our website and services are 100% free and centered on providing excellent service to mesothelioma patients and raising awareness.
An online resource with a downloadable booklet for patients and caregivers to print and keep as a reference.
Our website is a comprehensive asbestos disease informational resource. Additionally, we offer mesothelioma victims and their loved ones the following items, free of charge: a comprehensive Mesothelioma & Asbestos Guide; three must-read mesothelioma books written by medical professionals and mesothelioma survivors; veteran benefits assistance, and more.
Mesothelioma Survival has been put together as a single place for victims of mesothelioma and their families to learn and seek help for their disease.
This site provides an extensive database of information and resources for patients and their families to better understand the symptoms of mesothelioma and the various aspects of diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, as well as mesothelioma life expectancy.
Mesothelioma Treatment Community
Our mission is to guide mesothelioma patients and all those dealing with asbestos-related cancers toward answers, care options, and free health solutions that improve their lives and everyone around them.
Get help with filing for VA Benefits today.
Providing mesothelioma patients with free resources, support, education, and referrals to experienced mesothelioma doctors.
Extensive information about the dangers of asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma Web has been in place for over a decade and offers hope, help, & support to those diagnosed with mesothelioma. For more information on asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, visit this site.
Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group
PoCoG's mission is to improve the outcomes of patients experiencing a diagnosis of cancer, their families and carers through evaluation and implementation of psychosocial and supportive care interventions for patients, carers, health professionals and the health care system.
The information and materials available from this "Quality of Life" (QOL) webpage are offered so that youth, families, service providers, researchers, and decision makers may better understand what QOL means to youth with chronic health conditions and what is important to youth for their QOL to be at its best.
Everything you could ever want to know about quitting smoking.
Making a plan to quit smoking is the first step to quitting for good. Take the first step here, and say goodbye to cigarettes forever.
Recall Report is the web’s leading resource for information about health and safety recalls, including dangerous drugs and associated mental conditions.
The Recovery Village is an organization dedicated to providing the best treatment possible to those struggling with substance abuse and eating disorders. It is our philosophy that all individuals with the desire and ability to seek treatment are provided with the highest quality care for very reasonable rates.
Aims to educate the American public on current pharmaceutical drugs and devices commonly being used within the United States.
TeenRehabCenter.org is an online resource that equips teenagers and their families — those affected most by adolescent substance abuse and addiction — with the information and hope they need on the road to recovery.
The MCH Web Ring (Maternal & Child Health Bureau)
This site is a listing of non-commercial web sites related to the Maternal and Child Health Community.
The Tobacco-Free Life Organization is a leading organization with a mission to save lives by ending worldwide disease, damage and death caused by tobacco. This is accomplished through research, education and advocacy.
Australian Institute for Primary Care
La Trobe University
Autonomous research institute dedicated towards promoting research and scholarship on Bhutan. It is governed by the Council for the Centre of Bhutan Studies.
Monash University
Developmental Disabilities Planning Institute
Center for Architecture and Building Science Research at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Economic and Social Research Council Research Group on Wellbeing in Developing Countries
University of Bath
Genuine Progress Indicator - Atlantic Canada
A new measure of sustainability, wellbeing and quality of life.
International Social Survey Programme
A continuing annual programme of cross-national collaboration on surveys covering topics important for social science research.
Martin Seligman Research Alliance
The Positive Psychology Center promotes research, training, education, and the dissemination of Positive Psychology. This field is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of love, work, and play.
Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group
The Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG) was established in 2005, in response to a recognised need to develop the capacity and co-ordinated collaboration to conduct large-scale, multi-centre psycho-oncology and supportive care research.
A leading provider of relationship support services.
Resources for Methods in Evaluation & Social Research
This page lists FREE resources for program evaluation and social research methods. The focus is on "how-to" do evaluation research and the methods used: surveys, focus groups, sampling, interviews, and other methods.
This is the website for the Deci and Ryan Self-Determination Theory
Southwest Sustainability Partnership
Victoria, Australia
The On-Line Guide to Quality-of-Life Assessment
The most comprehensive source of information about questionnaires, rating scales and other tools for assessing psychosocial effectiveness in clinical and pharmacoeconomic studies.