Goal Attainment Research Articles

Pro-Independence Party Frames and Public Opinion: Do They Work?

By employing an experimental design in Catalonia and Scotland, the present article explores whether citizens’ exposure to different pro-independence party frames helps shape people’s attitudes to secession. The results indicate that individuals hold strong pre-existing beliefs on independence, and the way parties frame secession does not seem to influence public opinion. These insights suggest that secessionist parties might prioritise the attainment of vote and office goals over policy outcomes when choosing their rhetorical strategies. The findings have wider implications for the field of territorial party politics by showing the limits of secessionist parties’ rhetoric in shaping policy preferences.

Utilization of School Infrastructure and Its Influence on Students' Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Makueni County, Kenya

School infrastructure forms a major part of housing learners in learning institutions. Utilization of school infrastructure in sheltering students against harsh weather conditions facilitates better attainment of school goals. Academic performance of learners in public county secondary schools in Makueni County was low a reason to carry out this study. The purpose of this study was to determine utilization of school infrastructure and its influence on academic performance in secondary schools in Makueni County. The objective of this study was to establish the level of utilization of school infrastructure and its influence on student’s academic performance in public county secondary schools in Makueni County. The study adopted a mixed methods research design, specifically a convergent parallel research design and was supported by Education Production Function Theory. Research instruments were questionnaires and interview schedules. Validity was achieved through expert judgment and reliability by test-retest technique. The target population was 60 county secondary schools, 60 principals and 1004 teachers. Simple random and stratified sampling techniques were used to select the schools while systematic and purposive sampling was used to sample teachers and principals. The selected sample was 30 county schools, 30 principals, and 286 teachers. Total number of respondents was 316. Descriptive and inferential statistics (means, percentages, and multiple regression) and thematic analysis worked out the level of utilization of school infrastructure on students’ academic performance. Multiple regression showed that Utilisation of school infrastructure showed moderate means of 3.86, which revealed moderate influence existed between its utilisation and students’ academic performance. Qualitative data revealed different themes meant that effective utilization of school infrastructure positively influenced students’ academic performance in county secondary schools in Makueni County. Major conclusion was that there was needed to ensure effective utilisation of school infrastructure in order to improve academic performance. This study would provide important information useful to education policy makers in formulating additional policies leading to effective utilisation of school infrastructure in secondary schools.

Collaborative governance in disaster management and sustainable development

AbstractThis review article highlights the outcomes of collaborative governance in disaster management and its correlation with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Of particular interests are the origins and emergence of scholarship, core themes discussed under the subject, global contexts reported in the studies, and empirical findings regarding the relationship between collaborative governance in disaster management and the SDGs. The findings indicate that the USA dominates in publications on collaborative governance in disaster management. The most reported areas include COVID‐19, general theory development, the role of nonprofits, policy development frameworks, and other disasters including Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The areas connected with the SDGs are grouped into three sections. The first section describes the study's focus on SDG 17, highlighting partnerships as pivotal for goal attainment; the second section examines the Sendai Framework's alignment with goals such as poverty eradication, urban resilience, climate action, and partnerships; while the third section addresses additional areas connected to foundational SDGs, outlining a comprehensive framework for collaborative governance research. The study concludes by proposing a research agenda for more research from multiple contexts and research on areas under a developmental agenda.

Use of Financial Incentives to Promote Adolescent Type 1 Diabetes Self-management: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

To evaluate whether financial incentives lead to improvement in self-management behaviors and glycemia in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Adolescents (12- to 18-year-olds) with T1D selected incentivized self-management behavior and clinical outcome goals in a 3-treatment (gain frame, loss frame, no incentives) crossover randomized controlled trial. Participants could earn up to $180 in each 12-week incentive treatment arm. Compared with a mean 41% behavioral goal attainment within the nonfinancial incentives arm, mean behavioral goal attainment under gain and loss frames was 50% (P < 0.01) and 45% (P < 0.01), respectively. Mean time in range (TIR) in gain frame and loss frame arms was higher 43% (P < 0.01) and 42% (P < 0.01), respectively, compared with when not receiving financial incentives (38%). There was no difference in A1C among the three arms. Financial incentives can improve diabetes self-management behaviors and TIR in adolescents with T1D in the short-term.

Enhancing task performance in adults with intellectual disability through modified goal management training and assistive technology with errorless learning: A randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Individuals with intellectual disabilities often fail to learn complex tasks. Modified Goal Management Training (mGMT) or Errorless Learning combined with assistive technology (App + EL) can help. The goal is to demonstrate the effectiveness of mGMT and/or App + EL in learning complex tasks. We employed a randomized controlled crossover design. One group started with mGMT (N = 16), and the other with App + EL (N = 15). We compared their performance with that of a passive control group (N = 15). The training consisted of six sessions of 30 minutes each. Success was analyzed using the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). Three different tasks were assessed before and after each intervention period: “Practiced”, “Non-Practiced”, or “Previously Practiced”. Generalization was evaluated through neuropsychological tests. Results indicated that both interventions significantly improved “Practiced” tasks compared with “Non-Practiced” tasks and the control group. Crossing the intervention did not interfere with the stable performance on the “Previously Practiced” task. However, starting with mGMT reduced, but did not eliminate, the efficacy of App + EL after crossing, but this pattern was not observed for the reverse sequence. Only the Tower of London task documented improvements related to interventions. In conclusion, the mGMT and App + EL were effective in learning complex tasks and retaining performance after learning a second task. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register identifier: DRKS00021674.

Process evaluation of a New psychosocial goal-setting and manualised support intervention for Independence in Dementia (NIDUS-Family).

We report a mixed-methods process evaluation embedded within a randomised controlled trial. We aimed to test and refine a theory of change model hypothesising key causal assumptions to understand how the New Interventions for Independence in Dementia Study (NIDUS)-Family (a manualised, multimodal psychosocial intervention), was effective relative to usual care, on the primary outcome of Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) over 1year. In 2021-2022, intervention-arm dyads completed an acceptability questionnaire developed to test causal assumptions. We conducted qualitative interviews with dyads and intervention facilitators, purposively selected for diverse follow-up GAS scores. We collected observational data from intervention session recordings. We thematically analysed data, then integrated qualitative and quantitative data. 174/204 (85.3%) dyads allocated to NIDUS-Family, fully completed it, 18 partially completed, while 12 received no intervention. We interviewed 27/192 (14%) of dyads receiving any sessions, and 9/10 facilitators; and observed 12 sessions. 47/192 (24.5%) of carers completed the acceptability questionnaire. We identified four themes: (A) 'Someone to talk to helps dyads feel supported'; (B) 'NIDUS-Family helps carers change their perspective'; (C) 'Personalisation helps people living with dementia maintain their identity' and (D) 'Small steps help dyads move forward'. Key causal pathway mechanisms were: a respectful, trusting and impartial relationship with the facilitator: supporting the development of meaningful goals and support to find manageable solutions. Core implementation factors were delivery of the modules from a consistent facilitator across regular sessions. Core contextual factors influencing these mechanisms were dyadic participation and understanding of abilities.

Pre-implementation planning for a new personalised, dementia post-diagnostic support intervention: exploring the perspective of professional stakeholders.

Only a third of people with dementia receive a diagnosis and post-diagnostic support. An eight session, manualised, modular post-diagnostic support system (New Interventions for Independence in Dementia Study (NIDUS) - family), delivered remotely by non-clinical facilitators is the first scalable intervention to improve personalised goal attainment for people with dementia. It could significantly improve care quality. We aimed to explore system readiness for NIDUS-family, a scalable, personalised post-diagnostic support intervention. We conducted semi-structured interviews with professionals from dementia care services; the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research guided interviews and their thematic analysis. From 2022 to 2023, we interviewed a purposive sample of 21 professionals from seven English National Health Service, health and social care services. We identified three themes: (1) potential value of a personalised intervention - interviewees perceived the capacity for choice and supporting person-centred care as relative advantages over existing resources; (2) compatibility and deliverability with existing systems - the NIDUS-family intervention model was perceived as compatible with service goals and clients' needs, but current service infrastructures, financing and commissioning briefs constraining resources to those at greatest need were seen as barriers to providing universal, post-diagnostic care; (3) fit with current workforce skills - the intervention model aligned well with staff development plans; delivery by non-clinically qualified staff was considered an advantage over current care options. Translating evidence for scalable and effective post-diagnostic care into practice will support national policies to widen access to support and upskill support workers, but requires a greater focus on prevention in commissioning briefs and resource planning.

Protocol for the process evaluation of the GOAL trial: investigating how comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) improves patient-centred goal attainment in older adults with chronic kidney disease in the outpatient setting

IntroductionThe GOAL Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial (NCT04538157) is now underway, investigating the impact of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) for frail older people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The primary outcome...

Effects of a digital intervention on physical activity in adults: A randomized controlled trial in a large-scale sample

BackgroundPhysical inactivity is associated with health risks, contributing to various diseases and all-cause mortality. Despite recommendations for regular physical activity (PA), many adults remain inactive, influenced by socioeconomic and environmental factors. Digital interventions, particularly web-based PA programs, offer promising possibilities to promote PA across populations. These programs vary in their effectiveness, reflecting differences in design, user engagement, and behavior change techniques employed. ObjectiveThis study evaluates the effectiveness of the 12-week multimodal web-based TKFitnessCoach. The PA online program is part of the TK-HealthCoach. This study investigates the program's impact on self-reported PA levels, goal attainment, healthrelated quality of life, body weight, and eating behavior, comparing an interactive personalized web-based intervention and non-interactive web-based health information. MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial (RCT), participants were allocated to either the intervention group (IG), receiving access to the interactive TK-FitnessCoach, or the control group (CG) that was provided a static website with evidence-based information on PA. The study targeted a German-speaking adult population interested in improving health behavior. Data was assessed at T0 (beginning of the study), T1 (postintervention), T2, 6 months, and T3, 12 months follow-ups, focusing on self-reported PA at T3 and on various secondary outcomes. ResultsWe achieved equally distributed sociodemographics in both the IG and the CG with a mean age of 42.8 (IG), resp. 43.1 years (CG), and female participants of 76.1 % (IG), resp. 74.7 % (CG). PA at baseline was 277.9 min/week in the IG and 273.3 min/week in the CG. Both, the IG (n = 1153 in the Intention-to-treat (ITT) dataset) and CG (n = 1177 in the ITT dataset) exhibited significant increases in PA over time (IG(T3-T0) = 72.92 min/week; CG(T3-T0) = 74.12 min/week).However, the study did not find significant differences in the effectiveness of the interactive TK-FitnessCoach compared to the non-interactive control in terms of improving PA and related health outcomes. The intensity of using the TK-FitnessCoach was not associated with PA. ConclusionsBoth programs were effective in promoting PA among adults, with no significant differences observed between the two RCT groups. This highlights the potential of digital interventions in addressing physical inactivity, suggesting that the effectiveness of such programs may not solely depend on their interactivity but also on the quality and relevance of the information provided. Further research is needed to explore optimization strategies for such interventions, especially for persons with low PA, including user engagement, behavior change techniques, and the integration of objective PA tracking methods. Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register DRKS00020249; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00020249.

The Perfectionism Cycle: Dynamics Between Perfectionism, Psychological Capital, and Goal Attainment

The Perfectionism Cycle: Dynamics Between Perfectionism, Psychological Capital, and Goal Attainment

Measuring Progress in Breast Cancer Survivors With Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy After a Dance-Based Intervention Using Goal Attainment Scaling

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 This presentation will discuss our study results showing that goal attainment scaling (GAS) is a feasible and sensitive measure of functional change in breast cancer survivors with chemotherapy-induced neuropathy after an adapted tango intervention. Primary Author and Speaker: Amy Watson-Grace Additional Authors and Speakers: Jewel Elias Crasta Contributing Authors: Courtney Bland, Jacqueline Wilder, Kristen Lantis, Madeleine Hackney, Maryam Lustberg, Lise Worthen-Chaudhari

Transformative Business Outcomes of AI-Driven Master Data Management (MDM) and Data Governance Programs

Master Data management (MDM) has transitioned from a deferred task to a critical business imperative in the modern competitive landscape. Companies must swiftly identify and leverage their most valuable master data across the enterprise, at scale and in near real-time, to maintain a competitive edge. Master data serves as the foundational core that drives systems and business processes, powering the entire organization. Integrating AI into MDM accelerates value realization and goal attainment, enhances business outcomes, and maximizes return on investment (ROI). A meticulously implemented AI-driven MDM system, coupled with a Data Governance program, is essential for unlocking this potential. This paper highlights the pivotal role of AI-driven MDM and Data Governance programs in promoting operational excellence and sustainable growth through a comprehensive analysis of their strategic importance and diverse benefits and use cases.

The effect of cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A pilot randomized controlled study

This single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) study was planned to examine the effect of the Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) intervention on occupational performance and executive functions through daily routines children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using a simple random method, the children were divided into two groups: n = 15 in the CO-OP group (4 girls, 11 boys) and n = 15 in the control group (3 girls, 12 boys). CO-OP intervention included 12 sessions (2 sessions per week, each lasting 1 hour, 6 weeks in total) focusing on teaching cognitive strategies to improve daily living activities. These sessions involved personalized goal setting, performance analysis, and the application of cognitive strategies to enhance executive function and occupational performance in children with ADHD. The data were collected by assessing the children with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Goal Attainment Scaling, and Executive Functions and Occupational Routines Scale at the beginning and end of the study. When comparing the pre- and post-evaluations of the CO-OP group, statistically significant improvements were noted in occupational performance and satisfaction (p < 0.001), occupational performance goals (p < 0.001), and executive functions through daily routines (p < 0.05). Test results for differences in posttest scores between the two groups showed that the CO-OP group had significantly better activity performance and satisfaction (p < 0.001), as well as gains in social routines for executive skills (p < 0.05), compared to the control group. The findings suggest that the CO-OP approach represents a promising and effective method for facilitating skill acquisition in various activities among children diagnosed with ADHD. Trial registration: This research was registered to clinical trials with the code NCT05125120.

Older Adults' Perceptions of Cognitive, Physical, and Exergame Training: A Mixed Methods Investigation of a Four-Armed Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.

Purpose: Although the health benefits of behavioral interventions for older adults are well studied, research focused on intervention acceptability in older adult populations is less established and is needed. This mixed methods study investigated older adults' perceptions of training interventions. Methods: Community-dwelling older adults (N = 41) were randomized into three groups (cognitive, physical, and exergame) and completed 20 in-lab training sessions over 10 weeks. At every fifth session, participants provided feedback on their perceived gains across functional domains, enjoyment of and motivation to complete training, and aspects they most and least enjoyed regarding study participation. Results: Based on the multivariate analysis of variance, perceived cognitive and everyday function gains did not vary by training group. However, physical and exergame groups perceived greater improvement in physical function than the cognitive training group (P < 0.001). Enjoyment of and motivation to complete training did not vary by training group. Exploratory qualitative coding results suggest that participants across groups most enjoyed social interaction and feelings of improvement. Participants least enjoyed traveling to the study site and engaging in aspects of training (e.g., specific games, structure or duration of training). Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of incorporating meaningful social engagement and balancing the challenge of training components with goal attainment when working with older adults, regardless of the intervention type. Future research and practice should consider salient aspects of the participant experience (e.g., social connection, accessible locations or remote options) when designing interventions for older adults.

Mapping the traits desired in followers and leaders onto fundamental dimensions of social evaluation.

We applied the social evaluation framework to investigate the traits desired in an "ideal" follower, which were compared to the traits desired in an "ideal" leader. Across three studies and five samples, both differences and similarities in role-specific preferences mapped onto the Vertical-Horizontal dimensions of the social evaluation framework in ways that aligned with the demands of each role. Traits higher on the Horizontal-Morality facet (e.g., cooperative, dutiful) and lower on the Vertical-Assertiveness facet (e.g., confident, ambitious) differentiated ideal follower preferences from ideal leader preferences. Focusing on the traits most strongly desired in relation to each role, traits that supported social coordination and collective goal attainment (i.e., work ethic, cooperativeness) were prioritized in relation to ideal followers, whereas intelligence was prioritized for ideal leaders. Trustworthiness was equally valued across both roles. Moreover, we differentiated between necessary and luxury traits by adjusting the budget individuals could allocate toward the desired traits. Investments in necessary versus luxury traits further supported the social evaluation framework and highlighted the need to account for the facet-level distinctions within the Vertical (assertiveness, ability) and Horizontal (morality, friendliness) dimensions. Further, these findings were found to be robust across manipulations (e.g., the target's gender and hierarchical level). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Implementing active learning in a teaching–learning sequence on rolling motion for mechanical engineers

In this work, we describe a teaching–learning sequence (TLS) on rolling motion, designed and implemented within a Physics 1 course for Mechanical Engineers. The TLS was grounded in Physics Education Research findings and employed active learning strategies, particularly simulation-based exercises that included both conceptual questions and quantitative tasks. We detail and reflect on the development process of the TLS, focussing in particular on the alignment between the identified learning goals and the proposed instructional activities. We present data on students’ attainment of these learning goals, utilizing a post-instruction conceptual survey and an analysis of students’ performance in the final exam. Our research aims to contribute to the implementation of research-based, active learning sequences in large-enrollment contexts, specifically in those courses where both conceptual understanding and formal problem solving are valued.

Two are Better Than One but Three is Best: Fast-Tracking the Attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Among In-School Adolescents in Nigeria

BackgroundWith 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25 years, investing in youth will accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United Nations concept of ‘Development Accelerators’ is operationalized by examining factors associated with multiple SDGs among adolescents in Nigeria.MethodologyThrough data collected on the health of 1800 adolescents in Southwest Nigeria (Ibadan), ten SDG targets were identified. Accelerator protective factors that could lead to the attainment of two or more SDG targets were identified. Associations were assessed using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for sociodemographic covariates and multiple testing. Cumulative effects were tested by marginal effects modelling.ResultsParticipants’ mean age was 15.02 years (SD = 2.27). Family (parenting support), environmental (no survival work and food security) and school (safe schools) related factors emerged as development accelerators. For seven of the identified SDG-aligned targets, a combination of two or more accelerator factors showed cumulative positive associations, suggesting accelerator synergies with a combination of three accelerators showing the greatest increase. For instance, perceiving the school environment as safe, being food secure and having optimal mental health was associated with an 67% chance of not using psychoactive substances. While with safe school alone it was 39% (29%-51%), with food security alone it was 42% (31%-54%) and with optimal mental health alone it was 54% (42%-66%).ConclusionSeveral development accelerators related to family, environmental and school factors can have additive effects on the attainment of the SDGs amongst adolescents in Nigeria. This has practical and policy utility in the fastest growing economy in Africa.

Implementing Arts on Prescription at Home for People Living With Dementia: A Hybrid-Effectiveness Feasibility Study.

Arts on prescription at home (AoP@Home) is a participatory art-based approach involving a professional artist engaging a person with dementia (and their family carer) in art-making in their own home. This study evaluated the implementation of AoP@Home within a real-world community aged care context. A hybrid effectiveness-implementation design was used to simultaneously test both the AoP@Home intervention and the implementation process. AoP@Home program outcomes included person with dementia and family carer (dyad) health and wellbeing, and personal goal attainment. Implementation outcomes were evaluated according to feasibility, fidelity, acceptability, uptake, and costs via routinely collected data, artist notes, and interviews with program managers, artists, and participant dyads. Four dyads completed an AoP@Home program during the study period. All participants with dementia reported improvements in their overall health and wellbeing, and wellbeing scores improved for all carers from baseline to post-program. Implementation was feasible using existing government funding mechanisms, and programs were acceptable to all stakeholders. It is possible to deliver participatory arts programs for community-dwelling people with dementia and their family, in their home, using sustainable and available funding models. Programs such as AoP@Home should be made more accessible alongside broader allied health and care services.

Sustainability and health promotion actions in Brazil

This study explores sustainable programs or actions implemented within the work environments of students enrolled in a Postgraduate Program in Health Promotion in Brazil. Seventy participants, primarily healthcare professionals, were tasked with identifying the sustainable actions during the Health Promotion and Sustainability course. Responses were analyzed using the IraMuTeQ V. 0.7 alpha 2 program. Of these participants, 15 individuals did not identify any actions, while 55 highlighted various initiatives. Key strategies included waste management, health education, promotion of physical exercise, optimization of food resources, composting, and conscientious water usage. These actions not only offer potential cost savings but also contribute to a more responsible utilization of natural resources and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals.

Effective Communication as a Tool for Achieving Organizational Goal and Objective

Effective communication is essential for providing users with the information needed to achieve specific goals. This study explores the impact of effective communication on organizational performance, focusing on efficiency and profitability. The primary research question investigates the overall influence of effective communication on organizational goals. Sub-questions examine its effects on organizational efficiency and profitability. The main hypothesis posits that effective communication enhances organizational goal attainment, while sub-hypotheses suggest it improves efficiency and profitability. Objectives include understanding the impact of effective communication on organizational goals, efficiency, and profitability. Using purposive sampling, the study involved 40 employees. Secondary data were gathered from previous journals and books. The findings indicate that effective communication contributes to organizational development by enhancing employee productivity through verbal communication, improving performance efficiency through visual communication, and facilitating quick and accurate daily activities. Furthermore, effective communication aids in providing superior customer service, increasing the effectiveness of information systems, and maximizing employee performance benefits within the organization.