Subjective well-being: implications for medical rehabilitation outcomes and models of disablement

Research regarding the subjective well-being (i.e., subjective quality of life as a whole) of persons with physical disabilities is considered from conceptual and methodologic perspectives. Relevant measurement scales, both single- and multiple-item, are reviewed, with special attention to measures-of-life satisfaction. Evidence about variables associated with subjective well-being is reviewed, based on studies of (1) people in general, (2) people with a variety of different disabling conditions and (3) persons with multiple sclerosis, stroke or spinal cord injury. Needed theoretic and empiric developments are discussed, including elaboration of the subjective aspects of impairments, disabilities and handicaps.