From theory to practice: The integration of goal perspective theory and life development approaches within an injury-specific goal-setting program

The psychology of sport injury rehabilitation is an area of increasing research and practical interest (Heil, 1993; Pargman, 1993). However, there has been little exploration of how contemporary motivation theory might provide a theoretical basis for sport psychology interventions within the sports injury context. The present paper suggests that goal perspective theory and life development intervention (LDI) provide a conceptual base from which an injury-specific goal-set ring program could be designed. The notion that goal-setting can empower the injured athlete with skills that encourage a stronger task orientation, create an enhanced sense of control during a life crisis, and improve lifestyle management is discussed. Opportunities for these skills to be used across different rehabilitation phases and through changing rehabilitation contexts are also explored. Finally, guidelines for the implementation of a rehabilitation-specific, task-oriented goal-setting program are suggested.