Background: A distinction is made between objective and subjective assessment when quality of life evaluation is considered. The aim was to explore the association between objective and subjective appraisals within similar quality of life domains.
Methods: Correlations between scores on objective and subjective quality of life measures concerning choice, activity and integration were investigated by administering measures to the residents of a random sample of 47 small community housing services. Correlations between the measures and resident adaptive behaviour were also investigated.
Results: All objective measures were significantly correlated with adaptive behaviour but only one subjective measure was. With level of adaptive behaviour controlled, 6/7 correlations between pairs of objective measures were significant. Fifteen of the 16 correlations between objective and subjective measures were insignificant.
Conclusions: Assessments of objective life conditions and personal satisfaction appear to be distinct. Their suitability for different purposes and the notion that subjective appraisal of life may be under homeostatic regulation are discussed.