Work-site health promotion: the effects of a goal-setting program on nutrition-related behaviors

A Goal Attainment Scaling procedure was used to quantify and evaluate change in nutrition-related behaviors of participants in a work-site wellness program. Goal Attainment Scaling is a procedure for quantifying change over time, in five categories varying from "less than expected" success to "more than expected" success. The sample consisted of 60 enlisted military personnel who had indicated, on a screening questionnaire, their desire to improve dietary practices. The subjects were assigned to three groups but remained unaware throughout the study that nutrition was being investigated. The Goal-Setting/Goal Attainment group (GSGA, no. = 19) received a full 8-week health promotion program, based on goal-setting, fitness information, and skill development (12 sessions). The Goal-Setting group (GS, no. = 19) received only the part of the program that focused on setting goals (two sessions). The control group (no. = 22) received no instruction. Results from analysis of variance indicated that GSGA had significantly higher "Change Scores" in nutrition-related behaviors than the control group (p less than .05); "Change Scores" reflect degree of dietary improvement. Frequency data indicate that dietary improvements were sustained for 84% of the GSGA members, 64% of the GS members, and 37% in the control group. These findings suggest goal-setting skills enhance individuals' capabilities for making and maintaining improvements in nutrition-related behaviors.