Theory of Planned Behavior

Definition

The Theory of Planned Behavior is a psychological theory that links beliefs and behavior, suggesting that an individual's intention to engage in a behavior is influenced by their attitudes toward the behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. This theory is essential in understanding how personal and social factors can affect decision-making and actions related to health and lifestyle changes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Theory of Planned Behavior was developed by Icek Ajzen in the 1980s as an extension of the earlier Theory of Reasoned Action.
2. Intention is considered the strongest predictor of actual behavior according to this theory, meaning that the more favorable an individual's attitude and perception of control, the more likely they are to engage in the behavior.
3. The model suggests that changing someone's attitude or enhancing their perceived control can help facilitate behavioral change, making it useful for health promotion strategies.
4. Subjective norms can vary significantly across different cultures, impacting how behaviors are perceived and whether individuals feel pressure to conform.
5. The theory emphasizes that even if a person has a positive attitude toward a behavior, their intention and ability to act can be hindered by external factors such as resources and social support.

Review Questions

• How does the Theory of Planned Behavior explain the relationship between attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral intentions?
  • The Theory of Planned Behavior illustrates that an individual's behavioral intention is shaped by three main components: their attitude towards the behavior, the subjective norms they perceive from their social environment, and their perceived behavioral control. A positive attitude increases the likelihood of forming an intention to engage in the behavior. Additionally, if an individual feels that important people in their life endorse this behavior (subjective norms) and believes they have the ability to perform it (perceived behavioral control), they are more likely to intend to act on that behavior.
• Discuss how perceived behavioral control within the Theory of Planned Behavior can affect health-related behaviors.
  • Perceived behavioral control refers to an individual's belief about how easy or difficult it is to perform a behavior. In health-related contexts, if someone feels confident that they can manage obstacles and have access to resources (like time or support), they are more likely to form positive intentions toward healthy behaviors. Conversely, if someone believes they lack control due to various barriers (e.g., financial constraints or lack of time), they may feel discouraged from pursuing those behaviors despite having a positive attitude and supportive subjective norms.
• Evaluate how the Theory of Planned Behavior could be applied in designing interventions aimed at promoting dietary changes among college students.
  • When designing interventions for promoting dietary changes among college students using the Theory of Planned Behavior, it's crucial to address all three components: attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. For example, educational sessions can enhance students' attitudes by informing them about the benefits of healthy eating. Campaigns involving peers can shift subjective norms by showing that many students value healthy choices. Lastly, providing resources like meal planning guides or cooking classes can improve students' perceived behavioral control by equipping them with skills and knowledge. By targeting these areas, interventions can effectively increase intentions and lead to actual dietary changes.

Related terms

Attitude: An individual's positive or negative evaluation of performing a behavior, which can influence their intention to engage in that behavior.

Subjective Norms: The perceived social pressures that influence an individual’s decision to engage in a particular behavior, shaped by the beliefs about what important others think.

Perceived Behavioral Control: An individual's perception of how easy or difficult it is to perform a behavior, which affects their ability to act on their intentions.