A program to assist people with severe mental illness in formulating realistic life goals

This paper describes a clinical protocol (Goal Attainment Program, GAP) designed to assist people with severe mental illness to formulate realistic life goals. The clinical protocol adopted an individualized approach and was structured in a four-stage development sequence from affirming the individual's personal worth, imaging the new ways of living and establishing a sense of control to setting goals for the future. A pilot study with 25 psychiatric in-patients was promising as goal formulation and self-esteem increased. After completion of the program, most of the patients expressed a willingness to leave the hospital (92%) and planned to be engaged in competitive employment (72%). Implications and limitations of the study were discussed.