This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the unique effects of goal setting on behavior change, as well as to identify the circumstances and individuals for whom goal setting is most effective. The analysis showed a small but positive effect of goal setting on behavior change. Further insight gathered from moderator’s response revealed that goal setting was particularly effective when the goals were challenging, public, and set as group goals. There was also minor evidence to support that combining goal setting with external monitoring by others without feedback and delivering it face-to-face enhanced its effectiveness. The study concluded that goal setting is a valuable technique for behavior change interventions and suggested ways to optimize its effectiveness.
Goal Setting
Increasing Well-being through Teaching Goal-Setting and Planning Skills
This paper used brief psychological intervention to develop goal-setting and planning (GAP) skills in order to see if it would increase psychological well-being in a non-clinical sample. The intervention was tested in two separate studies: one involving group sessions and the other involving individual completion of the program. Both groups showed significant improvements in subjective well-being compared to the control groups. The findings suggest a causal link between goal-setting and planning and well-being and that these skills can be learned and applied to enhance overall well-being.
Personal Goal Setting as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Mindfulness and Wellbeing
This study investigates the relationship between mindfulness, well-being, and personal goal-setting. The study involved 114 university students who completed questionnaires assessing mindfulness, well-being, and the reasons behind their personal goal pursuits (extrinsic, introjected, identified, or intrinsic). The results indicate that mindfulness was associated with more autonomously motivated setting goals. This autonomous goal setting, in turn, positively influenced participants’ well-being. The study suggests that being attentive and aware is linked to pursuing goals with greater autonomy, which contributes to enhanced well-being.
The Importance, Benefits, and Value of Goal Setting
This article gives a comprehensive overview of the benefits of setting goals. It outlines why it is important and beneficial, as well as showing ways it is beneficial in areas such as personal performance, motivation, learning, mental health care, and business.