Theory of planned behaviour and ecstasy use: An analysis of moderator‐interactions

Objective: This study tested potential moderator interactions between components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) in relation to ecstasy use, extending previous research. It was expected that attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control (PBC) would moderate each other in predicting intended use of this drug. Method: A cross‐sectional survey was administered to 200 young adults. Results: In hierarchical multiple regression analysis, past behaviour and attitude independently predicted intention; previous use of ecstasy and more positive attitudes towards ecstasy use were associated with stronger intentions to use this drug in the future. Moreover, there was a significant interaction between attitude and PBC (R²_change = 0.05). Slope analysis revealed that PBC better predicted intention given more positive attitudes towards ecstasy use. Conclusions: This moderator function may help explain predictive inconsistencies reported in the literature. Implications for the TPB are considered.     

Using an extended theory of planned behaviour to inform interventions aimed at increasing breastfeeding uptake in primiparas experiencing material deprivation

Objectives The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) was employed to investigate infant feeding intentions and subsequent behaviour in women from selected areas of economic hardship in the UK. Underlying beliefs were examined in order to inform future interventions aimed at increasing breastfeeding uptake among women living in such areas, which is associated with low rates of breastfeeding. Design Midwives recruited women from areas meeting study criteria. TPB measures were obtained from 303 primiparas via postal questionnaires completed during pregnancy, and feeding method was subsequently obtained from 286 of these women. Results A model containing age, education, deprivation, attitude, subjective norm (SN), and perceived behavioural control (PBC) predicted intention to breastfeed (R²=.44) and intention to formula feed (R²=.45). A model controlling for age, education and deprivation predicted ever having breastfed (86.1% correctly classified) and ever having formula fed (77.1% correctly classified). MANCOVAs differentiated those who intended to breastfeed and subsequently did (inclined actors), those who intended to breastfeed but did not (inclined abstainers), and those who did not intend to breastfeed and did not (disinclined abstainers). Differentiating outcome beliefs, normative beliefs, and control beliefs are presented. Conclusions The TPB provided a useful framework with which to examine the factors underlying breastfeeding intentions and behaviour amongst primiparas. A grouping system based on the congruence between intentions and subsequent behaviour revealed important differences between beliefs of the three groups. Further research might usefully test the effectiveness of interventions targeting the beliefs identified here in increasing breastfeeding uptake and duration.     

How well does the theory of planned behaviour predict alcohol consumption? A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to quantify correlations between theory of planned behaviour (TPB) variables and (i) intentions to consume alcohol and (ii) alcohol consumption. Systematic literature searches identified 40 eligible studies that were meta-analysed. Three moderator analyses were conducted: pattern of consumption, gender of participants and age of participants. Across studies, intentions had the strongest relationship with attitudes (r₊ = .62), followed by subjective norms (r₊ = .47) and perceived behavioural control (PBC; r₊ = .31). Self-efficacy (SE) had a stronger relationship with intentions (r₊ = .48) compared with perceived control (PC; r₊ = ?.10). Intention had the strongest relationship with alcohol consumption (r₊ = .54), followed by SE (r₊ = .41). In contrast, PBC and PC had negative relationships with alcohol consumption (r₊ = ?.05 and ?.13, respectively). All moderators affected TPB relationships. Patterns of consumption with clear definitions had stronger TPB relations, females reported stronger attitude–intention relations than males, and adults reported stronger attitude–intention and SE–intention relations than adolescents. Recommendations for future research include targeting attitudes and intentions in interventions to reduce alcohol consumption, using clear definitions of alcohol consumption in TPB items to improve prediction and assessing SE when investigating risk behaviours.     

The role of perceived need within the theory of planned behaviour: A comparison of exercise and healthy eating

Objectives: This study examined the effect of perceived need on exercise and healthy eating using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). In addition, it investigated the determinants of perceived need. Method: Participants completed a questionnaire measuring components of TPB and perceived need. A follow‐up questionnaire 1 week later measured behaviour. The questionnaires were completed by e‐mail. The initial questionnaire was completed by 331 adults, and 286 follow‐up questionnaires were returned. Results: Perceived behavioural control was the main predictor of exercise intention and affective attitude was the main predictor of healthy eating intention. Perceived need significantly contributed to the prediction of healthy eating intention but not to exercise intention. Intention and perceived behavioural control predicted actual behaviour but perceived need did not. Reasons reported for the perception of needing to engage in both behaviours mainly focused on physical health and weight control. Conclusions: Reasons reported for low perceived need suggest that the concept of perceived need may be rather ambiguous, particularly in the case of exercise. Therefore, further research is needed to elucidate the role of perceived need in relation to a variety of health behaviours.     

With a little help from my goals: Integrating intergoal facilitation with the theory of planned behaviour to predict physical activity

Objective . Integration of a multiple goal theory approach into the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to investigate how the perceived facilitating and conflicting relationships in multiple goal pursuit predict performance of a health‐related behaviour. Design . Prospective design with 8‐week follow‐up. Methods . At baseline, perceived intergoal facilitation and intergoal conflict were measured using personal projects analysis supplemented with standard TPB measures for physical activity (PA). Self‐reported PA was measured at follow‐up 8 weeks later. N=137 participants completed measures at both time points (55.4% response rate at follow‐up). Results . Hierarchical regression showed that perceived intergoal facilitation, but not intergoal conflict, directly predicted PA beyond intention and perceived behavioural control (PBC), accounting for more than 4% of additional variance in PA. Intergoal facilitation had an indirect effect on intention through attitude and PBC, and intention partially mediated the effect of intergoal facilitation on behaviour. Conclusion . The perceived facilitating effect of pursuing other personal goals predicts the performance of a health‐related behaviour over and above single behaviour‐focused social cognitions.     

Autonomy and control: augmenting the validity of the theory of planned behaviour in predicting exercise

This study examined the utility of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) along with additional constructs in predicting exercise, and explored the motivational antecedents of exercise intentions. Participants included 162 Canadian University College students (61% females). Measures of TPB, autonomous and controlling intention, perceived autonomy support and core autonomous intention were completed during phase 1 of data collection. Two and three weeks later behaviour was assessed. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that: (a) attitude and perceived behavioural control significantly predicted TPB intention and core autonomous intention; (b) subjective norm predicted controlling intention; and (c) perceived autonomy support predicted autonomous and core autonomous intention. TPB intention significantly predicted behaviour. TPB is a fairly useful model for predicting behaviour and important information can be gained when other measures of intention are explored.     

Does the easy–difficult item measure attitude or perceived behavioural control?

Objective In order to determine if easy–difficult item measures attitude or perceived behavioural control (PBC), we used structural equation modelling of 10 cross‐sectional data sets. Design Cross‐sectional design was used. Method. Ten studies that examined health‐related behaviours and used the theory of planned behaviour as a theoretical framework were analysed. Samples totalling N = 4,552 participants were employed. All studies involved multi‐item measures of attitude (Aact) and PBC items derived from pilot testing. Results Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the discriminant validity of Aact and PBC. Structural equation modelling of relevant path indicated that in three studies, easy–difficult item is an indicator of both Aact and PBC. In the other seven studies, easy–difficult item belongs to PBC. The indexes of meta‐analysis suggest that overall, easy–difficult item is an indicator of PBC. Conclusion. Findings from 10 studies converged toward the conclusion that the easy–difficult item is an indicator of perceived PBC. However, since the easy–difficult item is sometimes classified as both Aact and PBC, and only the perceived difficulty dimension of PBC captures a significant increment in the variance of intention, it appears important to develop and validate a set of items devoted to measure the perceived difficulty dimension adequately.     

Quitting Smoking: Applying an Extended Version of the Theory of PlannedBehavior to Predict Intention and Behavior1

This study examined the ability of the theory of planned behavior (TPB)to predict students' intentions to quit smoking and the subsequent behavior6 months later. In addition, the impact of past behavior, moral norms, self‐identity, group identity, and positive/negative anticipated affect was examined. The intention‐behavior relationship was examined by dividing the sample in four subgroups: inclined actors/abstainers and disinclined actors/abstainers. Analyses were based on data from a prospective sample of 698 smokers. Attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control accounted for 36% (adjusted R²) of the variance in intentions. Moral norms, positive anticipated affect, group identity, and past behavior added 9% (adjusted R²) to the explained variance in intention, beyond the effect accounted for by the TPB components. Subsequent behavior was predicted by intentions (adjusted R²= .12). Past behavior, moral norms, self‐identity, and the Past Behavior x Intention and Moral Norm x Negative Affect interactions explained an additional 9% (adjusted R²) of the variance in behavior. Inclined abstainers constituted the main source of the discrepancy between intention and behavior.     

Theory of planned behaviour cognitions do not predict self‐reported or objective physical activity levels or change in the ProActive trial

Objective. The objective was to test, in a trial cohort of sedentary adults at risk of Type 2 diabetes, whether theory of planned behaviour (TPB) cognitions about becoming more physically active predicted objective and self‐reported activity levels and change. Design. Participants of a randomized controlled trial underwent measurement at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Methods. Participants (N= 365, 30–50 years) were recruited via their parent or family history registers at 20 general practices in the UK. Energy expenditure was measured objectively at baseline and 1 year. Participants completed questionnaires assessing physical activity and beliefs about becoming more physically active over the next year at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Results. Between baseline and 12 months, objective energy expenditure in the cohort increased by an average of 20 minutes of brisk walking per day. Based on the 252 participants who provided complete data, affective attitude and perceived behavioural control consistently predicted intention, but intention and perceived behavioural control failed to predict physical activity levels or change (p‐values > .05). Conclusions. Failure of the theory to predict behaviour and behaviour change may be due to inapplicability of the theory to this at‐risk population or to trial participation and intensive measurement facilitating behaviour change without affecting measured cognitions, or lack of correspondence between cognitive and behavioural measures. A wide range of potential personal and environmental mediators should be considered when designing physical activity interventions among at‐risk groups. High‐quality experimental tests of the theory are needed in clinical populations.     

Are organ donation communication decisions reasoned or reactive? A test of the utility of an augmented theory of planned behaviour with the prototype/willingness model

Objectives. To explore whether people's organ donation consent decisions occur via a reasoned and/or social reaction pathway. Design. We examined prospectively students' and community members' decisions to register consent on a donor register and discuss organ donation wishes with family. Method. Participants completed items assessing theory of planned behaviour (TPB; attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control (PBC)), prototype/willingness model (PWM; donor prototype favourability/similarity, past behaviour), and proposed additional influences (moral norm, self‐identity, recipient prototypes) for registering (N =339) and discussing (N =315) intentions/willingness. Participants self‐reported their registering (N =177) and discussing (N =166) behaviour 1 month later. The utility of the (1) TPB, (2) PWM, (3) augmented TPB with PWM, and (4) augmented TPB with PWM and extensions was tested using structural equation modelling for registering and discussing intentions/willingness, and logistic regression for behaviour. Results. While the TPB proved a more parsimonious model, fit indices suggested that the other proposed models offered viable options, explaining greater variance in communication intentions/willingness. The TPB, augmented TPB with PWM, and extended augmented TPB with PWM best explained registering and discussing decisions. The proposed and revised PWM also proved an adequate fit for discussing decisions. Respondents with stronger intentions (and PBC for registering) had a higher likelihood of registering and discussing. Conclusions. People's decisions to communicate donation wishes may be better explained via a reasoned pathway (especially for registering); however, discussing involves more reactive elements. The role of moral norm, self‐identity, and prototypes as influences predicting communication decisions were highlighted also.     

Psychosocial predictors of rule following in hostels for women experiencing homelessness

This study examined the psychosocial factors impacting upon the rule‐following behaviour of residents of a hostel providing crisis accommodation to women who are homeless. After their arrival, residents of a women's hostel (N=83) completed questionnaires assessing the theory of planned behaviour constructs of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control (PBC), and intentions related to rule following while residing at the hostel. Perceived resident group norms for rule following were assessed also. Follow‐up staff evaluations of the target behaviour were completed after participants ceased their hostel residence. As expected, attitude, subjective norm, PBC, and group norm significantly predicted intention to follow hostel rules, and intention and PBC predicted rule‐following behaviour. As rule following is a crucial requirement for continuation of their stay, these findings can inform strategies to improve the experiences and outcomes of women's short‐term hostel stays. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

A theory-based examination of self-care behaviours among psychologists

The present study examined psychological, spiritual, physical/leisure and social self-care behaviours among psychologists using a major model of predicting human behaviour, the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The study used a mixed method approach with two stages of data collection. Psychologists (N = 200) completed an online questionnaire assessing TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and intention) and additional constructs of action planning, coping planning, peer and supervisor norms and organizational climate. Two weeks later, participants (n = 110) completed a follow-up questionnaire assessing their self-care behaviour. Results indicated general support for the standard TPB constructs in predicting self-care intentions for psychologists and the additional construct of action planning mediated the intention-behaviour relationship across most self-care dimensions. Findings from the current research provide further understanding of the factors influencing self-care engagement among psychologists and can be used to inform development of strategies to foster greater engagement in self-care behaviour.     

Predicting Intended Condom Use among Tanzanian Students using the Theory of Planned Behaviour

This study examined whether perceived behavioural control predicted the intention to use condoms at next sexual intercourse above the components of the theory of reasoned action, as well as the sufficiency of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) as a theory of intention among Tanzanian adolescents. Five hundred and twenty-eight students who were sexually active, from seven secondary schools in Arusha, Northern Tanzania, completed a questionnaire designed to measure the components of the TPB. Behavioural intentions were significantly predictable from attitudes (.11), subjective norms (.22) and perceived behavioural control (.48). The inclusion of past behaviour into the regression equation increased R(2) only marginally (2 percent) but significantly, suggesting that the TPB provides a fairly accurate explanation of intention to use condoms among Tanzanian adolescents. The implications of this finding in relation to theoretical and practical issues are discussed.     

From Intentions to Quit to the Actual Quitting Process: The Case of Smoking Behavior in Light of the TPB

The purpose of the present paper was to examine the path from intentions to quit smoking to the actual quitting process in light of the theory of planned behavior. Data derives from a longitudinal internet survey (N = 939) over a period of 4 months. Attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and past behavior emerged as significant direct predictors of quitting intention (R² = 34%). Ordinal regression analysis showed that intention, PBC, planning, past quit attempts and habit were significant predictors of the subsequent quitting process. Consistent with previous research the results show that addicted individuals have serious problems in sticking to their initial plans. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.     

Predicting Automaticity in Exercise Behaviour: The Role of Perceived Behavioural Control,Affect, Intention,Action Planning,and Behaviour

Background

Habit formation has been proposed as a way to maintain behaviour over time.

Purpose

Recent evidence suggests that constructs additional to repeated performance may predict physical automaticity, but no research has yet explored possible direct impacts of intention, planning, affect, and perceived behavioural control (PBC) on automaticity.

Method

In a prospective study over a 2-week period amongst 406 undergraduate students (M _age?=?21.5 years [SD?=?2.59], 27.4 % males), we investigated main and interaction effects of past exercise behaviour, PBC, intention, planning, and affect on exercise automaticity.

Results

Results showed that — controlling for past behaviour — PBC, affect, and planning were significant and positive predictors of exercise automaticity. Decomposing a significant interaction between PBC and planning when to exercise revealed that planning became less predictive of exercise automaticity at higher levels of PBC.

Conclusion

Findings show that exercise automaticity is predicted by repeated performance and social–cognitive constructs. Further, interactions between social–cognitive predictors may be different for behavioural automaticity than for behavioural frequency.     

Deciding to exercise: The role of anticipated regret

Objectives: Two studies tested (a) whether anticipated regret (AR) qualifies as an additional predictor of intentions to engage in a health‐enhancing behaviour (exercise) after variables from the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and past behaviour have been controlled, and (b) whether a manipulation that induces participants to focus on AR causes stronger intentions to exercise. Design: Study 1 employed a cross‐sectional questionnaire design; Study 2 employed a between‐participants experimental design (AR focus vs. no AR focus). Method: Participants (N = 385) completed standard, multi‐item, reliable measures of TPB constructs and AR and also reported their past behaviour (Study 1). Participants in Study 2 (N = 70) completed measures of AR and intention; salience of AR was manipulated by means of item order. Results: Study 1 showed that even though TPB variables and past behaviour were reliable predictors of intention, and explained 51% of the variance, AR contributed a substantial increment in the variance (5%) even after these predictors had been taken into account. Study 2 showed that participants who were induced to focus on AR prior to intention formation had significantly stronger intentions to exercise compared to controls. Conclusion: The findings indicate that AR predicts a health‐enhancing behaviour (as well as the health‐risk behaviours examined in previous research) and that effects of AR are independent of TPB variables and past behaviour. The findings also indicate that a simple and inexpensive manipulation of the salience of AR can be used to promote exercise intentions.     

Understanding the underlying motives and intention among Indian blood donors towards voluntary blood donation: A cross-sectional study

Objectives

The present study aims to fill the gap in the literature by conducting a comprehensive research on Indian donor's intention towards voluntary blood donation in India. The study attempts to conceptualize and validate an integrative framework incorporating voluntary function inventory (VFI) in the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model with the purpose tomeasure the voluntary blood donation intention.