Comfort, well-being and quality of life: Discussion of the differences and similarities among the concepts

Sara Pinto; Laís Fumincelli; Alessandra Mazzo; Sílvia Caldeira; José Carlos Martins

doi:10.1016/j.pbj.2016.11.003

Comfort, well-being and quality of life: Discussion of the differences and similarities among the concepts

Porto Biomed J. 2017 Jan-Feb;2(1):6-12. doi: 10.1016/j.pbj.2016.11.003. Epub 2017 Jan 1.

Authors

Sara Pinto^{1

2}, Laís Fumincelli³, Alessandra Mazzo³, Sílvia Caldeira⁴, José Carlos Martins^{5

6}

Affiliations

¹ Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
² Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto | Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, Portugal.
³ University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
⁴ Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Universidade Católica Portuguesa - Instituto de Ciências da Saúde - Lisboa, Portugal.
⁵ Medical-Surgical Unit, Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
⁶ Department of Human Sciences and Health, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.

Abstract

Highlights: The distinction among the concepts of comfort, well-being and QoL is often unclear.This ambiguity can lead to redundancies, gaps, and knowledge dispersion.The concepts are not surrogate terms but related concepts sharing common attributes.

Aim: To analyze the differences and similarities of the concepts of comfort, well-being and quality of life (QoL).

Methods: Review of concept analysis research on PubMed, Cinahl (full text) and Scielo, using the search terms "Comfort", "Well-being", "Quality of Life" and "Concept Analysis".

Results: Eighteen studies were included. Comfort is a broader holistic concept while well-being is mainly related to psycho-spiritual dimensions. QoL reflects the individual perception of satisfaction with life.

Conclusions: The concepts are not surrogate terms, but related concepts sharing common attributes. Caution should be taken in further research, particularly as regards the correct use and framing of the concepts.

Keywords: Comfort; Concept analysis; Quality of life; Well-being.

Publication types

Review