1. Quality of Life and Social Quality
“Equity matters!”
Inclusive Promotion of Health and Wellbeing
Quality of Life and Social Quality
A multi-level framework Richard Pieper and Marja Vaarama University of Eastern Finland Presentation at the ISQOLS 2017 Conference Innsbruck, Austria, September 28-30, 2017
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2. The problem: there are many models of QoL and corresponding measurements but missing: general model or meta-model
mediating the comparison between different theoretical and disciplinary approaches by providing conceptual links
grounded in theory, but focusing on modelling
bridging the conceptual gaps between Subjective Wellbeing (SWB), individual QoL and Social Quality,
supporting application in service and technology design and social policy
and providing tools for not only quantitative but also qualitative modelling

3. Definition of Quality of Life
Quality of Life is the extent to which
persons enjoy a good life
by achieving a balance in their actions
and in their relations with themselves and with others
through creating and sustaining
adequate conditions and own potentials
over the life course.
For reference see: Marja Vaarama / Richard Pieper (2014)

4. Introducing the Meta-Model of QoL and Social Quality
In the following presentation, no detailed discussion is possible, instead we focus on:
Ruut Veenhoven’s well-known model of “Four Qualities of Life”
some key elements of the general model using diagrams
connection to a diversity of theoretical and practical approaches
pointing out some further extensions of the general model.
Implicitly and without explicit discussion in this context: an argument for a theory-guided, diagrammatic strategy in QoL modelling.
For reference see: Marja Vaarama / Richard Pieper (2008, 2014)

5. Introducing the general SOLA model of QoL and Social Quality

6. Diagram of the Veenhoven model and feedback loops

7. Diagram of the Veenhoven model and the “4A’s” of coping
adaptation
assimilation
accommodation
affect regulation
coping by selecting a different environment developing own competencies
re-evaluating activities searching for a new emotional balance

8. Expanding the model: Subjective Well-Being and objective QoL
Example:
Livability factor or environmental dimension

9. Individual QoL and Social Quality: 4 Dimensions / 3 Levels:
environmental dimension
social
security
resources
services
economy
living
sense
environment of
comfort s
afety
capability
control
organisational
structures
functional
&
competence
processes
empowerment f
unctional dimension
emotions
psycho -
feelings
logical
trust
networks
well
being
institutional
responsiveness
social cohesion
affective
dimension
social dimension
inclusion
identity
values
norms
life
relations
meaning
Subjective QoL
Quality of Life
Environmental relations
System potentials
”Means”
”Ends”
Social Quality
Subjective QoL (inner circle)
”inner world”
actor specific sense of living
Quality of Life (mid circle)
”experienced world”
actor specific actions, objects and others
Social Quality (outer circle)
”outer world”
Involving other actors and societal conditions

10. Individual QoL, risks, life events and Social Quality
person/system-related dimensions
environment-related dimensions
Culture Capital / Rights
Social Capital
Political Capital
Economic Capital
Social Cohesion
Social Empowerment
Social Inclusion
Social Security
environment
+ resources
life
meaning
functional
competence
pychological
well-being
safety life
comfort satisfaction
sense of emotional
control feelings
Quality of Life
subjective QoL
psycho-
social well-being
economic resources
functional abilities
social relations,
life style
mental health
conditions / risks
loss of income
or home
acute illness,
disability
 loss of social relation
emotional stress,
sorrow
life events
person-
environement-
fit
Institutional Capital
“means“ / instrumental
“ends” / goals
Social Quality

11. Summarizing:
The general model offers
comparisons of Qol models across theoretical approaches
bridging the conceptual gaps between QoL, SWB and Social Quality
with one conceptual framework across levels
a method for diagrammatic modelling
supporting communication and practical applications

12. Thank You !