applying theories of behavioural change - theory of planned behaviour. Flashcards
who created the theory of planned behaviour and what dose it suggest
Ajzen’s (1985, 1991)
we change behaviours deliberately thought rational decisions, evaluating positive and negative consequences.
what dose the theory of planned behaviour link
intentions with actual change
suggests addiction-related behaviour can be predicted from a person’s intentions.
what are the three key influences
personal attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control.
what are personal attitudes
An addict’s attitudes are a balance of favourable and unfavourable opinions about their addiction,
formed by rationally evaluating positive and negative consequences of their behaviour.
what dose Shifting balance towards unfavourable attitudes do
reduce addiction-related behaviour.
For example, associating gambling with outcomes like ‘I lose more money than I win’ leads to forming an intention not to gamble.
what are subjective norms (family)
the addicted person’s beliefs about whether those who matter most to them approve or disapprove of their addictive behaviour.
what are subjective norms beliefs based on
what an addicted person believes to be ‘normal’ behaviour (i.e. norms).
what alters a persons addiction related intentions
by changing their subjective norms.
Many campaigns against substance abuse (e.g. Talk to Frank) combat this by providing messages that reveal the true extent of substance abuse in peers (i.e. it’s a minority).
what are Perceived behavioural control
how much control we believe we have over our behaviour
what are the two possible effects of perceived behavioural control
1) It can have an indirect influence via intentions – the stronger the self-efficacy, the stronger the intention to stop the gambling.
2) It can have a direct influence – the greater the perceived control, the longer and harder the addict will try to stop.
what helps gamblers quit and/or avoid relapse.
Increasing a gambler’s self-efficacy
done by encouraging an optimistic outlook and confidence in their ability not to gamble, as well as an awareness that change will require effort.
