Files
Abstract
This dissertation examined the utility of adding a goal perception assessment to bolster health intervention evaluation. Study 1 used the expectancy theory model of antecedents and consequences of goal commitment (Hollenbeck & Klein, 1987) to guide assessment of perceptions of goal difficulty (degree of proficiency or performance level sought), goal commitment (a volitional psychological bond reflecting dedication to and responsibility for a particular target), goal acceptance (initial agreement with a goal) which were used to predict performance outcomes (e.g., frequency and negative consequences of drinking) following a mandated intervention to reduce alcohol-related risk behavior among college students. Study 2 examined publicness, need for achievement, subjective norms, self-efficacy, and locus of control as predictors of goal commitment in an exercise context. Results from Study 1 indicated that goal commitment had a main effect on performance. Further, there was a goal difficulty and commitment interaction indicating that commitment moderated the relationship between goal difficulty and performance. When the goal was perceived as at least moderately difficult, those with the highest levels of commitment outperformed (e.g., spent fewer hours drinking and experienced fewer negative alcohol-related consequences) those with lower commitment levels. In Study 2, extant health outcome indicators (e.g., subjective norms, self-efficacy) significantly predicted goal commitment, indicating that goal perception assessment integrates within existing intervention theoretical frameworks. Together, these results suggest that goal perception assessment provided utility in bolstering intervention evaluation by (1) predicting intervention outcomes and (2) complementing and integrating within existing intervention frameworks.