title: The effectiveness of multi-component goal setting interventions for changing physical activity behaviour: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: Drawing from goal setting theory (Latham & Locke, 1991; Locke & Latham, 2002; Locke et al., 1981), the purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of multi-component goal setting interventions for changing physical activity (PA) behaviour. A literature search returned 41,038 potential articles. Included studies consisted of controlled experimental trials wherein participants in the intervention conditions set PA goals and their PA behaviour was compared to participants in a control group who did not set goals. A meta-analysis was ultimately carried out across 45 articles (comprising 52 interventions, 126 effect sizes, n = 5912) that met eligibility criteria using a random-effects model. Overall, a medium, positive effect (Cohen's d(SE) = .552(.06), 95% CI = .43-.67, Z = 9.03, p < .001) of goal setting interventions in relation to PA behaviour was found. Moderator analyses across 20 variables revealed several noteworthy results with regard to features of the study, sample characteristics, PA goal content, and additional goal-related behaviour change techniques. In conclusion, multi-component goal setting interventions represent an effective method of fostering PA across a diverse range of populations and settings. Implications for effective goal setting interventions are discussed.
authors.affiliation: a School of Kinesiology , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada.
authors.forename: Desmond
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McEwan
authors.affiliation: a School of Kinesiology , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada.|b Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, & Exercise , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg , VA , USA.
authors.forename: Samantha M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Harden
authors.affiliation: c Faculty of Education , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada.
authors.forename: Bruno D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Zumbo
authors.affiliation: a School of Kinesiology , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada.
authors.forename: Benjamin D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Sylvester
authors.affiliation: a School of Kinesiology , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada.
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kaulius
authors.affiliation: a School of Kinesiology , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada.
authors.forename: Geralyn R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Ruissen
authors.affiliation: d School of Exercise & Health Sciences , University of British Columbia Okanagan , Kelowna , Canada.
authors.forename: A Justine
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Dowd
authors.affiliation: a School of Kinesiology , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada.
authors.forename: Mark R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Beauchamp
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
keywords: Goal setting; exercise; health; intervention; meta-analysis; physical activity; systematic review