FQOLS

FQOLS vs. FQOLS-2006. For the purposes of this study, a comparison of the FQOLS and the FQOLS-2006 is pertinent to the American national sample being investigated. The Beach Center FQOLS and the FQOLS-2006 both utilize rating scales across similar domains to quantify FQOL, though they are organized differently. The most current version of the FQOLS is a 25-question self-administered survey, providing a quantitative measure of FQOL satisfaction across five domains. Domains measured include Family Interaction (relationships between family members), Parenting (activities engaged in to facilitate the child’s development), Emotional Well-Being (perceptions of stress and supports available), Physical/Material Well-Being (meeting basic needs such as medical care and transportation), and Disability-Related Support (formal and informal at school, work, and home). Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale, where 1 = very dissatisfied, 3 = neither satisfied nor …show more content…
Empirical observations of factors such as cultural issues, religious beliefs, and informal support systems demonstrate that the ways in which family members perceive their circumstances influence behaviors and outcomes. For example, many families report that they do not take the necessary action to access the support they need (Brown et al., 2003). As researchers speculate about the possible reasons for a lack of initiative they discuss concepts such as not wanting to ask for help (Brown et al., 2003), cultural factors (Diken, 2006; Pichette, Berven, Menz, & La Fromboise, 1997), feeling a sense of hopelessness that leads to a lack of initiative (Cagran et al., 2011), and perceiving professionals as uncaring or disrespectful (Rueda, Monzo, Shapiro, Gomez, & Blacher, 2005). (ADD REFERENCE ABOUT POSITIVE REAPPRAISAL, GLIDDEN & NATCHER,