Goal setting and health risk reduction.

The effectiveness of client participation in goal selection aimed at health risk reduction was compared with the effectiveness of provider-selected goals and of no goal setting. No difference in goal attainment was found between the two groups with goals. However, analyses of covariance for selected subsamples of individuals at risk revealed a significant difference between goal-setting groups for weight reduction, with the collaborative goal-setting group being more effective. Covariance analyses for other subsamples at risk showed significant differences between the goal-setting groups for current health age and potential for life expectancy increase; the provider goal-setting group proved to be more effective. Paired t tests within groups revealed that the provider goal-setting group made significant change in alcohol intake, seat belt use, and exercise as well as in global measures of current health age, estimated life expectancy, and potential for life expectancy increase. For the collaborative goal-setting group, significant change was found in weight reduction, exercise levels, and the global measures of estimated life expectancy and potential for life expectancy increase. The control group made a significant change in exercise, but not in any of the global measures of risk reduction.