An International Perspective on Quality of Life: Measurement and Use.

The study obtained cross-cultural measures of quality of life (QOL), based upon perceptions of individuals with mental retardation/developmental disabilities (MR/DD) of their degree of satisfaction, productivity, independence, and community integration. The Quality of Life Questionnaire was administered to 92 persons in MR/DD programs in Australia, the Federal Republic of Germany, Israel, and the Republic of China and 552 persons from MR/DD programs in Nebraska and Colorado. A very consistent trend was found across the five countries: quality of life scores increase as one lives and works in more normalized environments. The paper also outlines characteristics of mental retardation/developmental disabilities services in the four countries (excluding the United States), focusing on: public laws regarding services to persons with MR/DD, funding patterns, administrative structures for MR/DD services, current living options, and current employment options. The paper notes that the concept of quality of life in habilitation services can be used cross-culturally to foster international QOL-oriented public policy, implement QOL-oriented program practices, and complete QOL-focused cross- cultural research projects. Includes 16 references. (JDD)