The Reliability and Validity of General Health Ratings

An abridged summary of a lengthy technical report regarding studies of general health perceptions conducted for the National Center for Health Services Research. Eight scales pertaining to perceptions of Prior Health, Current Health, Health Outlook, Resistance-Susceptibility to Illness, Health Worry/Concern, and Sickness Orientation as well as Rejection of Sick Role and Attitude Toward Going to the Doctor were constructed from 32 items in a standardized survey instrument that can be self-administered. Tests of the reliability, validity, and stability of rating scores are described. It is recommended that the scales be used in studies requiring general health measures, i.e., those tapping both objective and subjective health constructs and negative and positive well-being. Suggestions for future research are offered.