Theory of planned behavior

Definition

The theory of planned behavior is a psychological framework that predicts individual behavior based on their intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. It emphasizes that behavior is not just influenced by attitudes towards the behavior itself but also by social pressures and the individual's perception of their ability to perform the behavior. This comprehensive approach helps in understanding how attitudes are formed and structured, as well as how they can be measured to predict actual behaviors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The theory of planned behavior was developed by Icek Ajzen in 1985 as an extension of the earlier theory of reasoned action.
2. It highlights three main components: attitudes toward the behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, all contributing to behavioral intention.
3. Research shows that a strong intention typically leads to actual behavior when there are no significant barriers.
4. The model has been widely used in health psychology to predict behaviors like smoking cessation, dietary changes, and exercise habits.
5. Interventions can be designed based on this theory by targeting attitudes, norms, or perceived control to influence behavior change effectively.

Review Questions

• How do the components of the theory of planned behavior interact to influence an individual's likelihood of engaging in a specific behavior?
  • The components of the theory of planned behavior—attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control—interact to shape an individual's intention to engage in a specific behavior. For instance, if someone has a positive attitude towards exercising, feels social pressure from friends to stay fit, and believes they have the ability to find time for workouts, these factors combine to strengthen their intention to exercise regularly. This intention then serves as a strong predictor of actual exercise behavior.
• Discuss how understanding the theory of planned behavior can improve strategies for promoting healthy behaviors in communities.
  • Understanding the theory of planned behavior allows health promoters to develop targeted strategies that address the key components influencing behaviors. For example, campaigns can focus on improving attitudes by providing positive information about healthy eating, shaping subjective norms by showcasing community role models who practice healthy behaviors, and enhancing perceived behavioral control by offering practical resources or support. By addressing these areas, interventions can lead to greater changes in community health behaviors.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the theory of planned behavior in predicting complex human behaviors compared to other psychological theories.
  • The theory of planned behavior is particularly effective in predicting complex human behaviors because it encompasses multiple influences on decision-making. Unlike simpler models that focus solely on attitudes or habits, this theory integrates social factors and self-efficacy into its predictions. However, its effectiveness can vary depending on context; for instance, certain behaviors driven by emotional responses may not align well with the rational decision-making processes outlined in this theory. Therefore, while it offers valuable insights, it should be applied alongside other models for a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior.

Related terms

attitude: A psychological tendency expressed by evaluating a particular entity with some degree of favor or disfavor.

subjective norm: An individual's perception of social pressures to perform or not perform a particular behavior.

behavioral intention: An indication of an individual's readiness to perform a given behavior, which can predict actual behavior.