The construct quality of life (QoL), since the 1980s, when it
was introduced, is being used mainly in the context of health
problems. Areas of one s life that contribute to QoL are good
physical and mental health, efficient cognitive functioning, social
support, being able to meet the requirements of professional life,
positive emotions, etc (Power, 2003). Work on subjective well-being
(SWB), on the other hand, was developed in the context of healthy
everyday life; it also has a history of more than 30 years. During
this 30-year period factors that have an impact on SWB, such as
SES, gender, health, age, and religiosity have been identified
(Diener, 2000). A third independent line of research pertains to
what has been called Positive Psychology (Seligman &
Csikszentmihalyi, 2000), that is, an emphasis on human strengths,
such as optimism, hope, wisdom, positive emotions, resilience,
etc., which contribute to positive functioning in life.
Recently, SWB has been associated to human strengths and to the
movement of positive psychology but this did not happen for QoL,
possibly because of its emphasis on people with health problems.
However, QoL can be conceived of as a generic term that pertains to
all people, healthy or not. In this sense, it is closely related to
SWB defined as happiness (Diener, 2000). Also, QoL encompasses
positive emotions that go beyond happiness and has the advantage
that it can be applied to many different domains of life such as
interpersonal relations, health-related situations, and
professional and educational strivings. Moreover, the mechanism(s)
that underpin QoL and SWB can be studied in relation to people s
goals and strengths of character, that is, from a positive
psychological perspective. Such a perspective can reveal the
specificities of quality in the various domains of life and,
specifically, the positive emotions and strengths that contribute
to a happier, healthier, and more successful life, even in face of
adversity.
Therefore, despite the differences among the three theoretical
traditions, namely QoL, SWB, and positive psychology, it is
possible to find the common ground they share and each of them can
benefit from notions developed in the others. The aim of the
present book is to bring together these three traditions, show the
interactions of variables emphasized by them, and give an
integrative perspective from the positive psychology point of view.
It also aims to extend the range of life situations in which one
can look for quality and which go beyond the traditional emphasis
of QoL on health problems. Thus, the content of the proposed book
covers different age populations (from children to older adults),
healthy and people facing health problems as well as people facing
problems in their interpersonal lives or in their pursuits. It also
discusses factors that contribute to marital satisfaction, well
being in the school context, and things that people value and
cherish. The chapters refer to notions such as happiness, interest,
resilience, wisdom, hope, altruism, optimism, and
spirituality/religiosity that represent unique human strengths.
Finally, it emphasizes the role of goals and motivation that
connect SWB with self-regulation and managing of one s life
priorities.
To conclude, the chapters included in the proposed edited book
aim at bringing to the fore new theoretical developments and
research on QoL, SWB, and positive psychology that bridges
previously distinct theoretical traditions. The proposed book
covers a broad range of topics, addresses different theoretical
interests and paves the way for a more integrative approach.
Finally, it brings together an international set of authors, from
USA, Europe, Australia, and Asia. "
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