Subjective evaluation of health: A theoretical review

A broad range of empirical and theoretical studies relevant to subjective evaluation of health are reviewed. Five major areas of activity are distinguished: (1) Analysis of lay conceptions of health. (2) Development of comprehensive subjective health indicators. (3) Investigation of the role of social comparison processes in the selfassessment of health and illness. (4) Empirical studies of life satisfaction and the contribution of health to global well-being. (5) Theoretical studies of life satisfaction and its conponents and correlates. Pointers to the most potentially fruitful channels along which to direct future research are noted — specifically involving a detailed investigation of Multiple Discrepancies Theory.