This paper attempts to critically review the primary/secondary goals framework. In the first section, the theoretical constructs of primary/secondary goals are introduced, focusing on the definitions of primary/secondary goals and the goal-planning-action model of message production. After the theoretical review, empirical research assessing the primary/secondary goals framework is reviewed, which includes goal types and goal structures in influence situations, primary/secondary goals in contexts other than influence situations, and primary/secondary goals research across cultures. The final part evaluates the primary/secondary goals framework and discusses developments needed in the future.