Theory of planned behavior
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Theory of Planned Behavior: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to the Theory of Planned Behavior
The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), proposed by Icek Ajzen in 1985, is a psychological framework that aims to predict and understand human behavior. It posits that behavior is driven by behavioral intentions, which are influenced by three key factors: attitudes towards the behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC)1 2.
Efficacy and Predictive Power of TPB
General Efficacy
Meta-analytic reviews have demonstrated that TPB is effective in explaining and predicting various behaviors. For instance, a comprehensive review of 185 studies found that TPB accounted for 27% of the variance in behavior and 39% in intention1. Similarly, another review focusing on health-related behaviors reported an average R² of 0.41 for intention and 0.34 for behavior, highlighting the model's robustness in predicting health-related actions2.
Perceived Behavioral Control
Perceived behavioral control (PBC) is a significant predictor within the TPB framework. It not only influences intentions but also directly affects behavior, independent of attitudes and subjective norms1 2. This is particularly evident in health behavior studies, where PBC has been shown to moderate the relationship between intention and behavior6.
Applications in Various Domains
Health-Related Behaviors
TPB has been extensively applied to health-related behaviors, such as physical activity, diet, and treatment adherence in chronic illnesses. Studies have shown that intention is the most crucial predictor of behavior, with PBC also playing a significant role2 4. For example, in chronic illness management, TPB explained 33% of the variance in intention and 9% in adherence behavior4.
Environmental Science
In environmental science, TPB has been used to study behaviors related to waste management, green consumption, and sustainable transportation. A bibliometric analysis of 531 journal articles revealed that TPB is widely applied in this field, with significant contributions from countries like the U.S., China, and the UK3.
Tourism, Leisure, and Hospitality Management
The theory has also been applied in tourism, leisure, and hospitality management (TLHM). A systematic review of 259 publications found that TPB is primarily used to understand consumer behavior, although there are fewer studies addressing managerial or employee-related issues5.
Entrepreneurial Intentions
TPB has proven robust in predicting entrepreneurial intentions and actions. A longitudinal study involving participants from Austria and Finland demonstrated the theory's relevance in understanding business start-up intentions and subsequent behavior8.
Physical Activity Among Individuals with Disabilities
Research has also explored the use of TPB in predicting physical activity among individuals with disabilities. Findings indicate that intention to be physically active is the strongest predictor of actual physical activity, although the predictive power of belief factors varies10.
Moderating Factors
Behavior Type and Measurement
The efficacy of TPB can vary depending on the type of behavior and the method of measurement. For instance, physical activity and diet behaviors are better predicted than risk-related behaviors like safer sex or drug abstinence9. Additionally, behaviors assessed through self-reports are better predicted than those measured objectively1 9.
Sample Characteristics
Sample characteristics such as age and population type also moderate the relationships within the TPB framework. For example, student samples show better prediction for physical activity, while adolescent samples are better predicted for abstinence behaviors9.
Conclusion
The Theory of Planned Behavior is a versatile and robust framework for predicting and understanding a wide range of behaviors. Its efficacy is well-supported across various domains, including health, environmental science, and entrepreneurship. While the theory's predictive power can be influenced by factors such as behavior type and sample characteristics, it remains a valuable tool for researchers and practitioners aiming to influence human behavior.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Efficacy of the Theory of Planned Behaviour: a meta-analytic review.
The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) explains 27% and 39% of the variance in behavior and intention, with perceived behavioral control being a significant factor in both intentions and behavior.
Meta-Analysis
Highly CitedThe Theory of Planned Behavior: A Review of its Applications to Health-Related Behaviors
The theory of planned behavior effectively explains intention and predicts behavior in health-related behaviors, with attitude and perceived behavioral control being key factors.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedApplication of the Theory of Planned Behavior in Environmental Science: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis
The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is widely applied in environmental science, with waste management, green consumption, climate and environment, saving and conservation, and sustainable transportation being primary research topics.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedTheory of planned behavior and adherence in chronic illness: a meta-analysis
The theory of planned behavior effectively predicts treatment adherence in chronic illness, explaining 33 and 9% of the variance in intention and adherence behavior, but with small effect sizes.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedA systematic literature review of the theory of planned behavior in tourism, leisure and hospitality management research
The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is a feasible and valid model for tourism, leisure, and hospitality management, mainly covering consumer behavior with few studies on managerial or employee-related issues.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedPerceived behavioral control moderating effects in the theory of planned behavior: A meta-analysis.
Perceived behavioral control moderates the intention-behavior relation in health behaviors, but more research is needed to confirm these effects in other populations and contexts.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedAn extended theory of planned behavior for parent-for-child health behaviors: A meta-analysis.
Attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control are key determinants of parent-for-child health behaviors, with planning partially mediating these effects.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedRobustness of the Theory of Planned Behavior in Predicting Entrepreneurial Intentions and Actions
The theory of planned behavior effectively predicts entrepreneurial intentions and actions, addressing limitations in prior research and highlighting the need for further investigation into the intention-behavior relationship.
Observational StudyHighly CitedProspective prediction of health-related behaviours with the Theory of Planned Behaviour: a meta-analysis
The Theory of Planned Behaviour is more effective in predicting physical activity and diet behaviors than risk, detection, safer sex, and abstinence from drugs, with methodological moderators such as age, sample size, and self-reports also playing a role.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedTheory of Planned Behavior in Research Examining Physical Activity Factors Among Individuals With Disabilities: A Review.
Intention to be physically active has the strongest relationship with physical activity behavior among individuals with disabilities, while belief factors have mixed predictive usefulness.
Systematic ReviewTry another search
The role of sensors and IoT in enhancing environmental monitoring and pollution control.
The safety and efficacy of nootropic supplements in cognitive enhancement and brain health.
What are the implications of biodiversity loss for ecosystem services and human well-being?
The role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in predicting, managing, and responding to natural disasters and climate change.
What are the implications of Gödel's incompleteness theorems for mathematics?
what are some simulation methods for voting systems?