Abstract: Objective To explore the influence of positive psychological quality on the quality of life of rural left behind elderly. Methods 356 rural left behind elderly in Bengbu and Huaibei cities of Anhui province were investigated with WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL- BREF), Chinese version of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (C-MLQ), Purpose-in-Life Test (PIL) and Index of Well-Being (IWB). Results The scores of WHOQOL-BREF in physical, psychological, social relations and environment are significantly lower in the rural left behind elderly than in the norm in China (t>3.105, P<0.001). The scores of WHOQOL-BREF of the left behind elderly in rural areas significantly correlated with the sense of life meaning, life objective and subjective well being (P<0.05). The quality of life of left behind elderly in rural areas was analyzed by regression analysis, age, health status, education and other demographic variables and life goals, life sense, sense of autonomy, etc. entered the regression equation (P<0.05). The structure model analysis showed that the life meaning and purpose of life were the important factors that affected the quality of life of rural left behind old people, in which the subjective well-being played a meditational role. Conclusion The positive psychological quality of life meaning, life purpose and other positive psychological qualities significantly impact the quality of life of rural left behind elderly, and should carry out targeted mental health guidance.

Key words: positive psychological quality, rural left behind elderly, quality of life