It is the aim of this paper to discuss the ethical roots of the concept of quality of life and the historical background of its introduction into mental health service evaluation research. It will be argued that the original broad meaning of the quality of life concept has been brought closely in line with the clinical view, neglecting the ethical and the societal dimensions of this concept. In conclusion, expansion of the scope of quality of life research in psychiatry from a clinical to a societal perspective will be suggested. On the basis of this argument, seven research questions concerning the most important nonclinical factors influencing the quality of life of mentally ill patients will be formulated.