Moving Us Toward a Theory of Individual Quality of Life.

Tonnsen et al. (2016) wrote a how-to guide for building a quality-of-life theory that fits one person at a time. They focused on adults with intellectual disability. The paper gives three clear steps: define what quality of life means for that person, build a mini-theory around those definitions, and then test it in real life.

The authors did not run an experiment. Instead they showed BCBAs a road map. The map moves us from broad checklists to personal stories. Each step keeps the client’s own words front and center.

Brown et al. (2013) set the stage. They said we must toss one-size-fits-all tools and use the Capabilities Framework. Tonnsen et al. (2016) turned that idea into a do-it-now worksheet.

Branford (1997) offered six life domains to watch. Tonnsen et al. (2016) keep the domains but add a loop: ask, build, test, revise. The new loop does not replace the domains; it makes them personal.

Adams et al. (2021) came next with six research steps. Their steps feel bigger and more lab-based. Tonnsen et al. (2016) stays clinic-small. The two pieces slot together: start with L’s three steps at the kitchen table, then scale up with E’s six steps if you want publishable data.

Most QoL tools give you a score. This paper gives you a script. Use the three steps in your next assessment. Ask the client what “a good day” looks like. Turn those answers into a mini-theory. Try it for a week and tweak it. You will leave the meeting with a living plan, not just a number.