The Qu.E.S.T. (Quality of Experience Spending Time): Field-Testing a Self-Report Assessment

Background: Innovative, sound assessments are needed that measure the qualitative complexity of occupation. The QuEST, a 47-item self-report assessment, was developed to measure a person’s quality of experience spending... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Innovative, sound assessments are needed that measure the qualitative complexity of occupation. The QuEST, a 47-item self-report assessment, was developed to measure a person’s quality of experience spending time. This quantitative study examined its measurement qualities and determined if it could differentiate persons who possessed more quality from those who did not.
Method:
The QuEST was field-tested within a USA organization that served low-income clients experiencing HIV/AIDS and physical/mental health conditions. All clients (N = 248) were invited to participate via a questionnaire packet. To investigate measurement quality, QuEST item data were analyzed using Rasch modeling. An independent samples, 1-tailed t-test was conducted to determine if the QuEST differentiated respondents who expressed satisfaction or dissatisfaction with how they spent their time.
Results:
Of 131 returned questionnaires, 93 met eligibility criteria – not working and 18-60 years old. Mean age was 46; 85% identified as male. Data from 85 respondents met Rasch goodness-of-fit criteria, indicating 91% used the items appropriately. Data from 42 items met goodness-of-fit criteria, indicating they comprised the same unidimensional construct. Five items exceeded the criteria and required either removal or revision. T-test results indicated a highly significant difference for persons who reported satisfaction (M = +0.94, SD = 0.94) and dissatisfaction (M = -0.46, 1.01); t(90) = 6.79, p = <.001).
Conclusion:
The QuEST can be completed successfully by its intended population and effectively measures a complex, unidimensional construct.
Application to Practice:
The QuEST shows potential to help plan OT intervention and evaluate client-centred outcomes.