Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess differences in quality of life related to health, resilience and happiness in private men ( n = 21) and private ( n = 21) of freedom. Method . Under a descriptive - comparative design was used MOS health questionnaire SF-36, the Resilience Scale (RS) and subjective happiness scale (SHT). Results. The data collected showed differences between groups evaluated in the categories of occupation, socioeconomic status and marital status, but not in their levels of quality of life, resilience and happiness, except for social function dimension of quality of life. Conclusion. This study, although preliminary and exploratory, provides information on the value of these positive variables such as resilience, happiness and quality of life related to health in persons deprived of liberty .