Perceptions of Goal Attainment Scaling among Future Behavioral and Mental Health Providers: A Qualitative Analysis

Authors

Hannah Kenny, Western Michigan UniversityFollow
Joshua N. Carver, Western Michigan UniversityFollow
Jennifer E. Harrison, Western Michigan UniversityFollow
Ann M. Chapleau, Western Michigan UniversityFollow
Bridget E. Weller, Western Michigan UniversityFollow

Keywords

Social work, occupational therapy, peer support specialists, interprofessional

Abstract

Goal Attainment Scaling is a method for measuring an individual’s progress toward a given goal. It was used as part of an interprofessional workforce development program that trained social work and occupational therapy graduate students and peer support workers on meeting the mental and behavioral health needs of underserved communities. The purpose of this research note is to describe participants’ experience with Goal Attainment Scaling using data gathered from eight focus groups. Qualitative data were coded, and thematic content analysis was used. Four themes emerged that described participants’ experience with Goal Attainment Scaling: accountability, motivation, insight into developing own goals, and insight into developing client goals. Findings suggest that Goal Attainment Scaling may be a resource to support individuals in obtaining their learning goals about providing appropriate social services and enhancing their understanding of clients’ experiences with goal setting.

Recommended Citation

Kenny, Hannah; Carver, Joshua N.; Harrison, Jennifer E.; Chapleau, Ann M.; and Weller, Bridget E. (2022) "Perceptions of Goal Attainment Scaling among Future Behavioral and Mental Health Providers: A Qualitative Analysis," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 49: Iss. 2, Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.4604
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol49/iss2/6