ABSTRACT

Goal setting is a core rehabilitation process that is used for multiple and varied purposes including engaging people in their rehabilitation, getting people on board with therapy aims, being more person-centred in our approach, working with others on the rehabilitation team, aiming for better outcomes, measuring progress and responding to contractual, legislative or professional requirements (Levack, Dean, Siegert, et al., 2006; Levack, Taylor, et al., 2006; Schut & Stam, 1994; Wade, 2009). Whilst the SMART acronym (commonly interpreted as Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely – see Table 6.1) has certainly offered practical advice for aspects of goals that are about task definition or task completion, rehabilitation goals are also about assisting patients and clients to develop skills, abilities and strategies so they can do the things they want and need to do (Rosewilliam, Roskell, & Pandyan, 2011; Sugavanam et al., 2013). Theory development and research suggest that a more sophisticated approach to goal setting and goals in

CONTENTS

6.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 105 6.2 Rethinking SMART Goals in Rehabilitation ................................................................. 106 6.3 Two Theoretical Perspectives of Interest ........................................................................ 108 6.4 MEANING as a Practical Tool to Support Goal Setting and Goal Striving .............. 112 6.5 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 114 Acknowledgement ...................................................................................................................... 115 References ..................................................................................................................................... 115

rehabilitation is warranted (e.g. Barnard, Cruice, & Playford, 2010; Holliday, Ballinger, & Playford, 2007; Levack, Dean, McPherson, & Siegert, 2006; Levack, Dean, Siegert, et al., 2006; McPherson, Kayes, & Weatherall, 2009; Siegert & Taylor, 2004).