Low goal-directed behavior in negative symptoms is explained by goal setting - Results of a diary study

Engaging in goal-directed activities is a core difficulty of people with negative symptoms in schizophrenia. A previously developed goal pursuit model of negative symptoms (Schlier et al. 2017) postulates that negative symptom severity correlates with a tendency to set more avoidance- than approach-oriented goals. This shift in goal orientation correlates with low levels of goal expectancy, goal importance, and goal commitment. We explored whether these alterations translate into reduced goal-directed behavior (i.e., reduced goal striving and goal attainment).

We conducted a one-week diary-study in a population sample (N=91). Participants were assessed for subclinical negative symptoms at baseline. Next, they set a daily goal and completed an online survey measuring goal orientation, goal characteristics, goal pursuit, and goal attainment once per day for one week.

Multilevel regression analyses and structural equation models showed that negative symptoms correlated with a tendency to set less approach-oriented goals with reduced goal expectancy and goal commitment. Goal orientation, expectancy, and commitment mediated the association between negative symptoms and reduced goal pursuit and attainment.

We used a community sample, thus our results need to be replicated in a clinical sample of people with motivational negative symptoms.

Our results support the hypothesis that dysfunctional goal pursuit processes explain why negative symptoms lead to reduced goal-directed behavior. Interventions focusing on goal setting and goal expectations could be promising in improving goal-directed behavior in people with negative symptoms.