Level 1

Disciplinary Foundations

Broad social science disciplines that inform quality-of-life and well-being research in JQoLS.

Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Political Science, Education, Environmental Studies, Demography

Level 2

Quality-of-Life and Well-being Studies

A multidisciplinary field integrating social, economic, psychological, environmental, and policy perspectives to understand and improve life quality.

Life satisfaction; subjective well-being; QoL and SDGs; equity and inclusion; living standards

Level 3

Research Domains

Broad thematic areas defining JQoLS's scope. Each domain represents a major category of inquiry and brings together multiple sub-domains.

A. QoL Concepts & Frameworks → theoretical models, philosophical foundations, multidimensional constructs.

B. Subjective Well-being → happiness, satisfaction, personal fulfilment.

C. Socioeconomic & Policy Determinants → income, education, employment, governance.

D. Social and Psychological Dimensions of Well-being → mental health, relationships, social participation.

E. Environmental & Sustainability Factors → urban planning, green spaces, ecological impacts.

F. Health-related Quality of Life (Non-clinical) → perceived health, chronic illness, integrated well-being (non-biomedical).

Level 4

Research Sub-domains

Specific focus areas within each domain. These are narrower, actionable research lines and often linked to real-world outcomes.

A. Measurement & Assessment → development of QoL indices, psychometric scales, life satisfaction tools.

B. Comparative & Cross-cultural Studies → analyzing QoL variations between countries, regions, and demographic groups.

C. Policy-relevant Research → evaluating effects of welfare policies, governance models, and social programs.

D. Community Well-being & Social Inclusion → civic engagement, local governance, marginalized groups' inclusion.

E. Education & Lifelong Learning → role of literacy, digital education, skills training in QoL.

F. Environmental Design & Urban Planning → livable cities, sustainable infrastructure, quality of built environments.

Level 5

Selected Specialized and Applied Focus Areas

Advanced, highly targeted themes within sub-domains, often method-driven or policy-driven, with specific applied objectives.

• QoL Measurement Innovations → composite indicators, multidimensional dashboards, real-time QoL tracking.
• Cross-national Benchmarking → QoL indexes aligned with UN SDGs.
• Policy Impact Assessments → effectiveness of social safety nets, labor reforms, universal healthcare.
• Digital Well-being → effects of technology, social media, and digital literacy on life quality.
• Sustainability-driven QoL → impacts of renewable energy, waste management, and biodiversity policies.
• Community Resilience & Crisis Recovery → adaptation to disasters, pandemics, and forced migration.

Level 6

Emerging Focus Areas

Future-oriented, cutting-edge topics shaping QoL research. These often involve novel methodologies, cross-disciplinary integration, and emerging societal challenges.

• AI & Big Data for QoL Measurement → machine learning for well-being prediction, real-time life quality dashboards.
• Climate Change & Well-being → adaptation strategies, ecological threats, and mental health impacts.
• Inequality Mapping → spatial and temporal mapping of economic and social disparities affecting QoL.
• Cross-generational Well-being → intergenerational equity, youth vs. elderly satisfaction gaps.
• Neighborhood Livability Metrics → micro-level QoL indicators like walkability, safety, noise levels, and green space density.
• Digital Society & Hybrid Work-life Balance → QoL impacts of remote work, virtual communities, and the gig economy.

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

⚠️ Partial

✅ Yes

❌ No

✅ Yes

❌ No

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Legend:

✅ In scope
⚠️ Conditionally in scope when clearly linked to quality-of-life or subjective well-being outcomes
❌ Out of scope

This table is intended as a general guide. Final editorial decisions rest with the Editor-in-Chief.