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). judge s constructed GAS scales for 33 patients on five dimensions: severity of sy mptoms. 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 wee ks) before starting time-limited psychotherapy. Judges rated ail patients o n GAS before beginning therapy, at termination, and follow-up. Mean interra ter reliability of scores between pairs of judges was r = .88. Convergent v alidity of the GAS was confirmed by moderate to high correlations with the Health-Sickness Rating Scale (r = .70, p < 001), the Target Complaints Scal e (r = 50, p < .01). and the Brief Symptom inventory (r = .38. p < .05). Th e findings are discussed and recommendations are made for the reliable and valid use of the GAS in psychotherapy outcome research. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.