The paper discusses the quality of working life (QWL) from the point of view of the individual worker as it is examined and reported in the literature from 1957 to 1972. The research for that time is characterized by large-scale, static investigations and shows increasing concern for the dignity of the individual. It was concluded that past research is deficient in intensive and systematic field investigations, particularly in measuring QWL in terms of behaviors. Wages, hours, physical working conditions, meaningful and satisfying work, social support, control and influence, career opportunities, and the relationship between work and other parts of employees' lives are concepts included in an enlarged definition of QWL. Eleven QWL criteria (alienation, health and safety, economic security, self-esteem, self-actualization, work environment, control and influence, organizational enclosure, career aspirations, and extra-work activities) were selected as major outcome variables to be studied which could be operationalized in behavioral terms while excluding attitudes per se. The state of the art is discussed in terms of time period, type of journal, and cross national research. (A sample of substantive searches using the bibliography index and relating any QWL criterion and specified correlate is included.) (AG)