Journal article
Defining open goals for the promotion of health behaviours: a critical conceptual review
Health psychology review, Vol.First online, pp.1-24
09/03/2025
PMID: 40058361
Metrics
Abstract
Recently there have been calls in health psychology to re-examine the assumption that goals must be specific to be most effective, and to understand when and why nonspecific goals may produce comparable effects to specific goals. In particular, open goals have received increasing attention from both research and applied perspectives. However, there has not yet been a clear and robust definition of open goals, without which there is a risk of inaccurate or inconsistent research and implementation. Therefore, our primary aim was to develop a conceptual definition of open goals by examining necessary (i.e., essential) and sufficient (i.e., unique) attributes. The resulting definition identifies that open goals are nonspecific and phrased in an exploratory way, with measurable parameters, producing graded outcomes. A secondary aim was to critically review the initial evidence on open goals and highlight key priorities for future research. Five databases were searched, identifying 16 studies reporting empirical data on open goals, which were assessed using the mixed methods appraisal tool. A critical appraisal is provided, and priorities for future research are highlighted. In turn, this definition and review may help guide research and practice in the use of open goals as a strategy to promote health behaviours.
Details
- Title
- Defining open goals for the promotion of health behaviours: a critical conceptual review
- Creators
- Christian Swann - Southern Cross UniversityScott G Goddard - Southern Cross UniversityMatthew J Schweickle - University of WollongongRebecca M Hawkins - University of LincolnOllie Williamson - Southern Cross UniversityDavide Gargioli - Southern Cross UniversityMelanie M Clarke - Southern Cross UniversityPatricia C Jackman - University of LincolnStewart A Vella - University of Wollongong
- Publication Details
- Health psychology review, Vol.First online, pp.1-24
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Grant note
- The Australian Government Department of Education supports the Manna Institute through the Regional Research Collaboration Program.
- Identifiers
- 991013266695102368
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Author(s).
- Academic Unit
- Human Sciences; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article