Goal-setting theory in psychotherapy
: A theory-building case study

  • Sofie Heien

Student thesis: PsychD

Abstract

Objective: A number of psychotherapy modalities advocate for setting goals with clients, however, much of the research and theories on goal processes used to underpin these practices is interdisciplinary and does not focus on goals work in psychotherapy per se. The aim of the current study was to test one such theory, namely goal setting theory, which is rooted in organisational psychology, on a goal-oriented psychotherapy case. This is the first systematic case study investigating goal processes in psychotherapy. Method: The relevant theoretical propositions were extracted from the theory to be tested in the study. A psychotherapy case utilising goal-oriented practice was then selected. A theory-building methodology and analytic strategy was employed, where transcripts of the therapy sessions and interviews with the client were coded using the theoretical propositions. Findings: The main theoretical propositions stated in goal-setting theory, namely that setting high (difficult) and specific goals will increase motivation and aid goal progress were not found in the current case. However, other theoretical propositions were supported: goal meaningfulness was found to moderate the relationship between goal progression/achievement and affect, and situational constraints were found to hinder goal progression/achievement. Conclusion: The current study is the first to investigate in-depth goal processes in psychotherapy using a case study methodology and more specifically, to investigate goal-setting theory in a psychotherapy setting. The propositions outlined by goal-setting theory might add to the evidence base for goal-oriented psychotherapy, however, as goal-setting theory was not developed with the psychotherapy context in mind, it is important not to assume that all theoretical propositions are applicable to psychotherapy. Clinical suggestions based on the findings include: setting goals later in therapy, engage in specific goal-based discussions with clients, psychotherapy goals can be non-specific, and having a flexible structure when working with goals.
Date of Award12 Mar 2024
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • University of Roehampton
SupervisorMick Cooper (Director of Studies) & Monique Proudlove (Co-Supervisor)

Keywords

  • Goal-setting theory
  • theory-building case study
  • goal
  • goal-oriented psychotherapy
  • goals
  • specific goal
  • goal setting
  • high goal
  • idiographic outcome measurement
  • goal monitoring

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