The impact of the interviewer-interviewee relationship on subjective quality of life ratings in schizophrenia patients

Abstract

Subjective quality of life (SQOL) ratings are usually based on interviews. This study examined in which way patients' ratings differ depending on whom they are interviewed by. SQOL was assessed in 78 schizophrenia patients in an out patient clinic and in sheltered living arrangements. Using patients randomly allocated to two interview situations: one group was interviewed by external researchers, the other group by their case managers. On average, more favourable ratings were elicited by case managers. Some of the differences were statistically significant and substantial in size. Yet, opposing differences were also found regarding some life domains in one group. It may be concluded that a significant impact of the interviewer-interviewee relationship on SQOL ratings may exist, but that it is not consistent, unidirectional and uniform regarding life domains and across different settings and samples.