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The objective of this study was to investigate whether self-esteem and life orientation can be considered as significant variables affecting Quality of Life (QoL) in Parkinson's disease (PD). These variables were measured through the administration of 3 psychometric questionnaires. This study used the Quality of Life Index (QLI), the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES) and the Life Orientation Test (LOT). Results from 23 participants with PD were compared to an age matched control group of 31 participants with no such illness. The PD participants were recruited within the Dublin Neurological Institute and the control group were recruited through several firms. Significant differences emerged through the QoL of both groups. Self-esteem levels, rather than life orientation, was shown to correlate with perceived QoL in PD patients. It is concluded that therefore PD has a significant effect on QoL and that psychosocial factors can affect perceived QoL to a certain extent.
