Cultural influences on perceived quality of life.

Cross-cultural investigations of quality of life will provide a more well-rounded picture of the multidimensional aspects of life satisfaction and personal well-being. Careful attention must be given to the nuances of language and sociocultural context in the translation of questionnaires and the implementation of cross-national research. Future explorations of the concept of quality of life should incorporate qualitative and ethnographic data to insure an adequate representation of the social and emotional context surrounding perceptions of well-being and life satisfaction. A meaning-centered approach to the examination of quality of life will facilitate understanding of the nature of wellness and the impact of illness on individuals and families of every cultural background.