The family quality of life survey-2006: an examination of relationships between objective and subjective data

BACKGROUND: Family quality of life (FQOL) includes objective and subjective factors representing wellbeing for families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The current project investigated the integration of objective and subjective data using the Family Quality of Life Survey - 2006 (FQOLS-2006). METHOD: 169 parents/caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities participated. Relationships were examined between objective information from the A Sections of the Health, Finances, and Support from Services domains of the FQOLS-2006, and more subjective FQOL ratings in the B Sections. RESULTS: We found strong relationships between the objective and subjective sections of the FQOLS-2006. Respondents reporting challenges in the A Sections generally reported lower Attainment/Satisfaction ratings in the B sections. However, some responses were discrepant. CONCLUSION: Objective and subjective measurements of FQOL were consistent but independent. Each type of measurement provided unique information and FQOL is best understood through the integration of these methods.