Conditional goal setting and flexible goal adjustment in depression
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Conditional goal setting and flexible goal adjustment in depression.
IRAS ID
240282
Contact name
Eimear Corrigan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 1 days
Research summary
BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore how individuals with depression view and adjust their personal goals, particularly if these goals become unobtainable. The pursuit of goals has long been associated with enhanced well-being and a sense of purpose and meaning in a person's life. However, goal attainment is not always possible, with goal related problems linked to distress. In such circumstances, it is considered beneficial to disengage from goals that cannot be obtained and re-engage with alternative, valued goals. However, this may prove a challenging process, with people continuing to work towards an unobtainable goal and/or becoming preoccupied with it. One reason why people may not adjust their goals is if they are considered necessary for personal happiness and well-being. Conditional goal setting refers to this process of making happiness conditional on the achievement of specific goals. With this in mind, this study will aim to better understand the role of goal adjustment and conditional goal setting in depression.
PARTICIPANTS: Recruitment to this study will comprise of two groups of individuals, who will be recruited from primary care services and through community settings. The first group will include individuals who meet diagnostic criteria for a current major depressive disorder while the second group will involve individuals who do not have a current or previous history of mental health difficulties. The second group will represent a community comparison group.
PROCEDURE: Individuals interested in participating in this research will be required to complete a telephone interview to assess the inclusion criteria for this research and if eligible, will be invited to complete a postal questionnaire assessing their personal goals. This study will aim to recruit 26 people in each group. This study is entirely voluntary and participants will self-refer to research, after receiving either a leaflet from their clinician or viewing a poster.
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0516
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion