The management of subjective quality of life by short-stay hospital patients: An exploratory study

BACKGROUND: This study tested the homeostatic model of subjective quality of life in a group of 47 short stay patients as they progressed through the stages of hospitalization for surgery. METHOD: Participants completed a questionnaire measuring subjective quality of life, positive and negative affect, self-esteem, optimism and cognitive flexibility, the day prior to admission (T1), two days post-operation (T2) and one week after discharge (T3). Neuroticism and Extroversion were measured at Time 1. RESULTS: All variables remained stable across the three times, apart from positive affect, which dropped significantly post-operation but returned to its previous level post discharge. CONCLUSION: Although the homeostatic model of subjective quality of life was supported at Time 1, the analyses raise doubts about the stability of personality. This finding is consistent with recent discussions of personality.