What are the key components of the theory of planned behavior?
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Key Components of the Theory of Planned Behavior
The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is a widely used psychological model for predicting and understanding human behavior. It identifies three main components that shape a person's intention to perform a behavior, which in turn predicts actual behavior 145.
Attitude Toward the Behavior
Attitude refers to a person's positive or negative evaluation of performing the behavior. This component reflects how favorably or unfavorably an individual feels about engaging in the specific action 145. Attitudes are shaped by beliefs about the likely outcomes of the behavior and the value placed on those outcomes .
Subjective Norms
Subjective norms involve the perceived social pressure to perform or not perform the behavior. This component captures the influence of important others, such as family, friends, or society, on the individual's decision-making 1345. However, research has found that subjective norms are often a weaker predictor of intentions compared to the other components, partly due to measurement challenges and the need for a broader understanding of normative influences .
Perceived Behavioral Control
Perceived behavioral control (PBC) refers to the individual's perception of their ability to perform the behavior. This includes both internal factors (such as self-efficacy or confidence in one's abilities) and external factors (such as access to resources, technology, or support) 245. PBC is important because it not only influences intentions but can also directly affect behavior, especially when actual control is limited 35. Studies have further broken down PBC into self-efficacy and facilitating conditions, highlighting the role of both personal confidence and external supports .
The Role of Behavioral Intention
Behavioral intention is the immediate antecedent of behavior in the TPB model. It represents a person's readiness or plan to perform the behavior and is determined by the combined influence of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control 145. The stronger the intention, the more likely the behavior will be performed, provided the individual has sufficient control over the action .
Additional Considerations and Extensions
While the three core components—attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control—form the foundation of the TPB, research has suggested possible extensions. These include factors such as self-identity, moral norms, and past behavior, which can further enhance the model's predictive power 710. For example, self-identity has been shown to add explanatory value to intentions beyond the original TPB components .
Conclusion
In summary, the key components of the theory of planned behavior are attitude toward the behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. These elements work together to shape behavioral intentions, which are the primary predictors of actual behavior. Extensions to the model, such as self-identity and moral norms, may further improve its ability to explain and predict human actions 12345710.
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