Psychometric properties of goal-attainment scaling in the assessment of mann's time-limited psychotherapy

This study tested the reliability and validity of Goal‐Attainment Scaling (GAS) in assessing outcome in Mann's Time‐Limited Psychotherapy (TLP). Judges constructed GAS scales for 33 patients on five dimensions: severity of symptoms, self‐esteem, same‐sex friendships, romantic relationships, and work performance. Patients in the treatment group received 12 sessions of TLP, whereas controls were in a waiting list for the same period of time (12 weeks) before starting time‐limited psychotherapy. Judges rated all patients on GAS before beginning therapy, at termination, and follow‐up. Mean interrater reliability of scores between pairs of judges was r = .88. Convergent validity of the GAS was confirmed by moderate to high correlations with the Health–Sickness Rating Scale (r = .70, p < .001), the Target Complaints Scale (r = .50, p < .01), and the Brief Symptom Inventory (r = .38, p < .05). The findings are discussed and recommendations are made for the reliable and valid use of the GAS in psychotherapy outcome research. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 57: 971–979, 2001.