Theory of planned behaviour
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Theory of Planned Behaviour: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to the Theory of Planned Behaviour
The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), developed by Icek Ajzen in 1988, is a widely used psychological model that aims to predict and understand human behavior. It posits that an individual's intention to perform a behavior is the most significant predictor of that behavior. This intention is influenced by three key factors: attitude towards the behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC).
Efficacy and Predictive Power of TPB
Meta-Analytic Reviews
Several meta-analytic reviews have assessed the efficacy of TPB in predicting various behaviors. One comprehensive review found that TPB accounted for 27% of the variance in behavior and 39% in intention, highlighting its substantial predictive power. Another meta-analysis focusing on health-related behaviors reported that TPB explained 33% of the variance in intention and 9% in adherence behavior, demonstrating its utility in health contexts.
Moderating Factors
The predictive power of TPB can vary depending on several factors. For instance, behaviors related to physical activity and diet were better predicted compared to risk-related behaviors like safer sex and drug abstinence. Additionally, perceived behavioral control (PBC) was found to moderate the intention-behavior relationship, particularly in health behaviors.
Key Constructs of TPB
Attitude, Subjective Norms, and Perceived Behavioral Control
- Attitude: This refers to the individual's positive or negative evaluation of performing the behavior. It has been consistently found to be a significant predictor of intention.
- Subjective Norms: These are the perceived social pressures to perform or not perform the behavior. However, subjective norms are generally weaker predictors of intention compared to attitude and PBC, partly due to measurement issues and the need for a more comprehensive normative component.
- Perceived Behavioral Control: This reflects the individual's perception of their ability to perform the behavior. PBC not only influences intention but also directly affects behavior, making it a crucial component of TPB .
Applications of TPB
Health-Related Behaviors
TPB has been extensively applied to predict health-related behaviors, such as physical activity, diet, and treatment adherence in chronic illnesses. The model has shown good predictive validity, with attitude and PBC being the most significant predictors of intention .
Pro-Environmental Behaviors
The theory has also been used to explore pro-environmental behaviors, including recycling, energy conservation, and ethical investment. In these contexts, TPB helps in understanding the factors that drive individuals to engage in environmentally friendly practices.
Inclusive Education
In the domain of education, TPB has been employed to assess teachers' intentions towards practicing inclusive education. While the theory effectively predicts intentions, the link between these intentions and actual behavior remains less clear, indicating a need for further research.
Integrating TPB with Other Theories
Self-Determination Theory
Recent studies have integrated TPB with Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to enhance its explanatory power. This integration has shown that self-determined motivation from SDT can predict the proximal predictors of intentions and behavior from TPB, providing a more comprehensive understanding of motivational processes.
Conclusion
The Theory of Planned Behaviour remains a robust and versatile model for predicting a wide range of behaviors. Its efficacy is well-supported across various domains, including health, environmental, and educational contexts. However, the predictive power of TPB can be influenced by several moderating factors, and integrating it with other theories like SDT can further enhance its explanatory capabilities. Future research should continue to refine the measurement of its constructs and explore its application in diverse behavioral contexts.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Efficacy of the Theory of Planned Behaviour: a meta-analytic review.
Prospective prediction of health-related behaviours with the Theory of Planned Behaviour: a meta-analysis
Perceived behavioral control moderating effects in the theory of planned behavior: A meta-analysis.
THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOUR
The Theory of Planned Behavior: A Review of its Applications to Health-Related Behaviors
Applying the theory of planned behaviour in assessments of teachers’ intentions towards practicing inclusive education: a scoping review
Integrating the theory of planned behaviour and self-determination theory in health behaviour: a meta-analysis.
Theory of planned behavior and adherence in chronic illness: a meta-analysis
Evaluating and extending the theory of planned behaviour
A systematic literature review of the theory of planned behavior in tourism, leisure and hospitality management research
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