Theory of Planned Behaviour

Question 1

Louis et al (2009) Stress and the theory of planned behaviour: Understanding healthy and unhealthy eating intentions aim

Answer 1

To test the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) as an explanation of health decision-making and its relationship with stress.

Question 2

Louis et al (2009) Stress and the theory of planned behaviour: Understanding healthy and unhealthy eating intentions procedure

Answer 2

154 male and female students completed a questionnaire to measure the following related to healthy eating behaviour:

· Personal attitudes

· Subjective norms

· Perceived behavioural control

· Intentions to eat healthily or unhealthily.

The researchers also measured the participants’ degree of life stress and their perception of body image.

Question 3

Louis et al (2009) Stress and the theory of planned behaviour: Understanding healthy and unhealthy eating intentions findings

Answer 3

Personal attitudes towards heathy eating predicted intention to eat healthily but subjective norms did not. There was a small effect of perceived control on healthy-eating intentions. Subjective norms favouring healthy eating predicted intentions to eat unhealthily, but only at low levels of stress.

Question 4

Louis et al (2009) Stress and the theory of planned behaviour: Understanding healthy and unhealthy eating intentions conclusion

Answer 4

The study provides only partial support for the TPB. Greater perceived control predicted intentions to eat more healthily and less unhealthily. However, the impact of attitudes, norms and control on intentions was moderated by stress, which is not predicted by the theory.

Question 5

Cooke et al (2016) How well does the theory of planned behaviour predict alcohol consumption? A systematic review and meta-analysis aim

Answer 5

To review research into the correlations between TPB variables, intentions to consume alcohol and actual alcohol consumption.

Question 6

Cooke et al (2016) How well does the theory of planned behaviour predict alcohol consumption? A systematic review and meta-analysis procedure

Answer 6

Reviewed 40 studies measuring intentions to consume alcohol. The studies had also directly measured personal attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control. In addition, some studies measured self-efficacy in being able to reduce or give up alcohol.

Question 7

Cooke et al (2016) How well does the theory of planned behaviour predict alcohol consumption? A systematic review and meta-analysis findings

Answer 7

Positive correlations were found between:

· Intentions to consume and actual consumption

· Intentions and attitudes

· Subjective norms and perceived control

Episodic drinking predicted intentions to drink more strongly than other types of drinking. Self-efficacy positively correlated with both intentions to drink and actual consumption.

Question 8

Cooke et al (2016) How well does the theory of planned behaviour predict alcohol consumption? A systematic review and meta-analysis conclusion

Answer 8

The TPB appears to be useful in understanding intentions to drink alcohol. The findings suggest that intentions to reduce drinking should target personal attitudes and intentions rather than control and subjective norms.