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Defining the Nature and Impact of Goals in Children and Adolescents with a Chronic Health Condition: A Review of Research and a Theoretical Framework

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Abstract

This paper presents a review of research related to goals in youth with a chronic health condition (CHC) and a related framework to inform theory and research. Performed literature review using PsychINFO and Medline with a combination of many key words related to health, goals, and youth. Sixteen studies related to goals in youth with a CHC were identified. An integrative framework to inform research on goals in pediatric CHCs was presented based on studies reviewed. The impact of a CHC on goals and related behaviors, impact of goal conflict and collaboration, interventions with goal-setting components, and impact of developmental, disease, socioeconomic, and cultural factors were described. Recommendations for future research were discussed. The application of theory related to the nature and impact of goals in youth with a CHC will advance the field from a research and clinical standpoint.

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Acknowledgements

This work was conducted at Case Western Reserve University and was supported by National Institute of Mental Health grant 18330, Research Training in Pediatric Psychology.

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Correspondence to Lisa Schwartz.

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Schwartz, L., Drotar, D. Defining the Nature and Impact of Goals in Children and Adolescents with a Chronic Health Condition: A Review of Research and a Theoretical Framework. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 13, 390–402 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-006-9041-8

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