A3: Theory of planned behaviour Flashcards
What is the theory of planned behaviour?
Changes in behaviour can be predicted from our intention to change, which in turn is the outcome of personal attitudes towards the behaviour in question, our beliefs about what others think, and our perceived ability to control our behaviour
What are personal attitudes in TPB?
Personal attitudes refer to the balance between an individual’s favourable and unfavourable beliefs about a behaviour. For instance, a person may believe, “Drinking is bad for my health,” which influences their intention to reduce drinking.
Define subjective norms in the context of TPB
Subjective norms are the beliefs an individual holds about whether people important to them approve or disapprove of their behaviour. For example, if someone thinks “Most people who matter to me are unhappy with my drinking,” they may be less likely to drink.
Explain perceived behavioural control (PBC) in TPB
Perceived behavioural control refers to the extent to which a person believes they can control their behaviour, influenced by external factors (like support) and internal factors (such as determination). PBC can affect both the intention and the actual behaviour of the individual.
How does PBC influence intention in TPB?
The more control someone feels they have (e.g., believing they have control over their drinking), the stronger their intention becomes to engage in the behaviour (e.g., stopping drinking).
Give an example of how personal attitudes, subjective norms, and PBC combine to influence behaviour according to TPB.
If someone wants to lose weight, they may have positive attitudes towards weight loss, support from people who matter to them, and believe in their ability to lose weight. Together, these factors strengthen their intention and increase the likelihood of successful weight loss.
What is one weakness of the Theory of Planned Behaviour?
TPB is a poor predictor of long-term changes. Studies have found a weak correlation between intentions and actual behaviour over extended time periods, especially when there is a significant delay between intention formation and the behaviour.
What is one strength of the Theory of Planned Behaviour?
- A strength of TPB is its application in devising practical interventions. It is widely used in prevention and treatment programs for various mental disorders, requiring proactive patient participation.
- TPB has been effective in helping individuals quit smoking and other addictive substances (like alcohol) by influencing their intentions through tailored interventions that target attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control.
