Skip to main content Accessibility help

We use cookies to distinguish you from other users and to provide you with a better experience on our websites. Close this message to accept cookies or find out how to manage your cookie settings.

Close cookie message
×
Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-8bhkd Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-05T02:10:34.080Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

2 - Changing Behavior Using the Theory of Planned Behavior

from Part I - Theory and Behavior Change

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2020

By
Icek Ajzen  and
Peter Schmidt
Edited by
Martin S. Hagger ,
Linda D. Cameron ,
Kyra Hamilton ,
Nelli Hankonen  and
Taru Lintunen
Martin S. Hagger
Affiliation:
University of California, Merced
Linda D. Cameron
Affiliation:
University of California, Merced
Kyra Hamilton
Affiliation:
Griffith University
Nelli Hankonen
Affiliation:
University of Helsinki
Taru Lintunen
Affiliation:
University of Jyväskylä
Get access

Summary

The theory of planned behavior (TPB) provides a framework for designing and evaluating behavior change interventions. The theory postulates a sequence of effects from behavioral, normative, and control beliefs regarding the behavior to attitudes and subjective norms, which – moderated by perceived behavioral control – lead to the formation of a behavioral intention. Intention is proposed to be carried out to the extent that the behavior is under volitional control. For an intervention to motivate the desired behavior, it must influence behavioral, normative, and/or control beliefs; and, to support implementation of the behavior, it must ensure sufficient perceived and actual behavioral control. Practical steps for the design and evaluation of a TPB-based intervention are described. These include research to elicit accessible beliefs; construction and validation of a TPB questionnaire; confirmation of the structural TPB model; and a preliminary test of the intervention’s ability to change the targeted variables. In the final phase, the intervention is administered and its effects are evaluated by examining changes in behavior and its theoretical determinants. Research has supported the predictive validity of the TPB and its utility as a framework for behavior modification. Future research is needed to identify additional effective strategies to change TPB determinants.

Keywords

attitudesintentionssubjective normsperceived behavioral controlreasoned actionintention-behavior relationssalient beliefs
Type
Chapter
Information
The Handbook of Behavior Change , pp. 17 - 31
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Ajzen, I. (1985). From intentions to actions: A theory of planned behavior. In Kuhl, J. & Beckman, J. (Eds.), Action-Control: From Cognition to Behavior (pp. 11–39). Berlin: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-69746-3/2Google Scholar
Ajzen, I. (1988). Attitudes, Personality, and Behavior. Chicago: Dorsey Press.Google Scholar
Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50, 179–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/0749-5978(91)90020-TGoogle Scholar
Ajzen, I. (2012a). The theory of planned behavior. In Lange, P. A. M., Kruglanski, A. W., & Tory Higgins, E. (Eds.), Handbook of Theories of Social Psychology, Vol. 1 (pp. 438–459). London: SAGE. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446249215Google Scholar
Ajzen, I. (2012b). Attitudes and persuasion. In Deaux, K. & Snyder, M. (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Personality and Social Psychology (pp. 367–393). New York: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195398991.001.0001Google Scholar
Ajzen, I. (2019). Sample TPB Questionnaire. https://people.umass.edu/aizen/pdf/tpb.questionnaire.pdfGoogle Scholar
Ajzen, I., & Dasgupta, N. (2015). Explicit and implicit beliefs, attitudes, and intentions: The role of conscious and unconscious processes in human behavior. In Haggard, P. & Eitam, B. (Eds.), The Sense of Agency (pp. 115–144). New York: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190267278.001.0001CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ajzen, I., & Fishbein, M. (2000). Attitudes and the attitude-behavior relation: Reasoned and automatic processes. In Stroebe, W. & Hewstone, M. (Eds.), European Review of Social Psychology, Vol. 11 (pp. 1–33). Chichester: Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1080/14792779943000116Google Scholar
Ajzen, I., & Sexton, J. (1999). Depth of processing, belief congruence, and attitude-behavior correspondence. In Chaiken, S. & Trope, Y. (Eds.), Dual-Process Theories in Social Psychology (pp. 117–138). New York: Guilford Press.Google Scholar
Albarracín, D., Fishbein, M., & Goldestein de Muchinik, E. (1997). Seeking social support in old age as reasoned action: Structural and volitional determinants in a middle-aged sample of Argentinean women. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 27, 463–476. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.1997.tb00642.xCrossRefGoogle Scholar
Angrist, D. J., & Pischke, J. S. (2015). Mastering Metrics: The Path from Cause to Effect. Princeton: Princeton University Press.Google Scholar
Armitage, C. J., & Arden, M. A. (2002). Exploring discontinuity patterns in the transtheoretical model: An application of the theory of planned behaviour. British Journal of Health Psychology, 7, 89–103. https://doi.org/10.1348/135910702169385Google Scholar
Armitage, C. J., & Conner, M. (1999). The theory of planned behaviour: Assessment of predictive validity and “perceived control.” British Journal of Social Psychology, 38, 35–54. https://doi.org/10.1348/014466699164022CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bamberg, S. (2006). Is a residential relocation a good opportunity to change people’s travel behavior? Results from a theory driven intervention study. Environment and Behavior, 38, 820–840. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916505285091Google Scholar
Bamberg, S. (2013). Applying the stage model of self-regulated behavioral change in a car use reduction intervention. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 33, 68–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2012.10.001Google Scholar
Bamberg, S., & Schmidt, P. (1999). Regulating transport: Behavioral changes in the field. Journal of Consumer Policy, 22, 479–509. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1006391723214Google Scholar
Bamberg, S., & Schmidt, P. (2001). Theory driven subgroup specific evaluation of an intervention to reduce car use. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 31, 1300–1329. https://https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1006391723214Google Scholar
Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84, 191–215. https://doi.org/10.1037//0033-295x.84.2.191Google Scholar
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. New York: Freeman.Google Scholar
Bickman, B. (1987). Using Program Theory in Evaluation. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.Google Scholar
Brown, T. A. (2015). Confirmatory Factor Analysis for Applied Research (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.Google Scholar
Campbell, D.T. (1969). Reforms as experiments. American Psychologist, 24, 409–429. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0027982Google Scholar
Campbell, D. T., & Fiske, D. W. (1959). Convergent and discriminant validation by the multitrait-multimethod matrix. Psychological Bulletin, 56, 81–105.Google Scholar
Chen, H. T. (2014). Practical Program Evaluation: Theory Driven Evaluation and the Integrated Evaluation Perspective. London: SAGE.Google Scholar
Cialdini, R. B., & Trost, M. R. (1998). Social influence: Social norms, conformity and compliance. In Gilbert, D. T., Fiske, S. T., & Lindzey, G. (Eds.), The Handbook of Social Psychology, Vols. 1–2 (4th ed., pp. 151–192). New York: McGraw-Hill.Google Scholar
Coryn, C. L. S., Noakes, L. A., Westine, C. D., & Schröter, D. C. (2011). A systematic review of theory-driven evaluation practice from 1990 to 2009. American Journal of Evaluation, 32, 199–226. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098214010389321CrossRefGoogle Scholar
de Leeuw, A., Valois, P., Ajzen, I., & Schmidt, P. (2015). Using the theory of planned behavior to identify key beliefs underlying pro-environmental behavior in high-school students: Implications for educational interventions. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 42, 128–138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2015.03.005CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dillard, J., & Shen, L. (2012). The SAGE Handbook of Persuasion: Developments in Theory and Practice (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781452218410CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Elliott, M. A., & Armitage, C. J. (2009). Promoting drivers’ compliance with speed limits: Testing an intervention based on the theory of planned behaviour. British Journal of Psychology, 100, 111–132. https://doi.org/10.1348/000712608X318626CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Fishbein, M., & Ajzen, I. (2010). Predicting and Changing Behavior: The Reasoned Action Approach. New York: Psychology Press.Google Scholar
Fisher, J. D., & Fisher, W. A. (1992). Changing AIDS-risk behavior. Psychological Bulletin, 111, 455–474. https://doi.org/10.1037//0033-2909.111.3.455CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Green, S. B., & Thompson, M. S. (2015). A flexible structural equation modeling approach for analyzing means. In Hoyle, R. (Ed.), Handbook of Structural Equation Modeling (pp. 393–416). New York: Guilford Press.Google Scholar
Hagger, M. S., Chatzisarantis, N. L. D., & Biddle, S. J. H. (2002). A meta-analytic review of the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior in physical activity: Predictive validity and the contribution of additional variables. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 24, 3–32. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.24.1.3Google Scholar
Hancock, G. (2004). Experimental, quasi-experimental, and nonexperimental design and analysis with latent variables. In Kaplan, D. (Ed.), The SAGE Handbook of Quantitative Methodology for the Social Sciences (pp. 318–335). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781412986311.n17Google Scholar
Hovland, C. I., Janis, I. L., & Kelley, H. H. (1953). Communication and Persuasion: Psychological Studies of Opinion Change. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/2087772Google Scholar
Hukkelberg, S. S., Hagtvet, K. A., & Kovac, V. B. (2014). Latent interaction effects in the theory of planned behaviour applied to quitting smoking. British Journal of Health Psychology, 19, 83–100. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12034Google Scholar
Kelley, K., & Abraham, C. (2004). RCT of a theory-based intervention promoting healthy eating and physical activity amongst out-patients older than 65 years. Social Science and Medicine, 59, 787–797. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2003.11.036Google Scholar
La Barbera, F., & Ajzen, I. (2018). Control interactions in the theory of planned behavior: Re-thinking the role of subjective norm. Unpublished manuscript.Google Scholar
Lewin, K. (1946). Action research and minority problems. Journal of Social Issues, 2, 34–46. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.1946.tb02295.xGoogle Scholar
Lewin, K. (1952). Field Theory in Social Science: Selected Theoretical Papers by Kurt Lewin. London: Tavistock.Google Scholar
Macy, J. T., Middlestadt, S. E., Seo, D.-C., Kolbe, L. J., & Jay, S. J. (2012). Applying the theory of planned behavior to explore the relation between smoke-free air laws and quitting intentions. Health Education and Behavior, 39, 27–34. https://doi.org/10.1177/1090198111404702Google Scholar
McDermott, M. S., Oliver, M., Svenson, A. et al. (2015). The theory of planned behaviour and discrete food choices: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 12. https://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2Fs12966-015-0324-zGoogle Scholar
Meitinger, K., & Behr, D. (2016). Comparing cognitive interviewing and online probing: Do they find similar results? Field Methods, 28, 363–380. https://doi.org/10.1177/1525822X15625866CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Michie, S., & Prestwich, A. (2010). Are interventions theory based? Development of a theory coding scheme. Health Psychology, 29, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016939Google Scholar
Michie, S., van Stralen, M. M., & West, R. (2011). The behaviour change wheel: A new method for characterising and designing behaviour change interventions. Implementation Science, 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-6-42Google Scholar
Norman, P., Cameron, D., Epton, T. et al. (2018). A randomized controlled trial of a brief online intervention to reduce alcohol consumption in new university students: Combining self-affirmation, theory of planned behaviour messages, and implementation intentions. British Journal of Health Psychology, 23, 108–127. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12277Google Scholar
Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1983). Stages and processes of self-change of smoking: Toward an integrative model of change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51, 390–395. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-006x.51.3.390Google Scholar
Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1992). Stages of change in the modification of problem behaviors. In Hersen, M., Eisler, R. M., & Miller, P. M. (Eds.), Progress in Behavior Modification (pp. 184–218). Sycamore, IL: Sycamore Press.Google Scholar
Riebl, S. K., Estabrooks, P. A., Dunsmore, J. C. et al. (2015). A systematic literature review and meta-analysis: The theory of planned behavior’s application to understand and predict nutrition-related behaviors in youth. Eating Behaviors, 18, 160–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eatbeh.2015.05.016Google Scholar
Rodgers, J. L. (2010). The epistemology of mathematical and statistical modeling: A quiet methodological revolution. American Psychologist, 65, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018326Google Scholar
Rossi, P. H., Lipsey, M. W., & Freeman, H. E. (2004). Evaluation: A Systematic Approach (7th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.Google Scholar
Shaddish, W. R., Cook, T. D., & Campbell, D. T. (2002). Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs for Generalized Causal Inference. Belmont, CA: SAGE.Google Scholar
Sheeran, P., Maki, A., Montanaro, E. et al. (2016). The impact of changing attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy on health-related intentions and behavior: A meta-analysis. Health Psychology, 35, 1178–1188. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000387CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Sheeran, P., & Taylor, S. (1999). Predicting intentions to use condoms: A meta-analysis and comparison of the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 29, 1624–1675. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.1999.tb02045.xGoogle Scholar
Sniehotta, F. (2009). An experimental test of the theory of planned behavior. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 1, 257–270. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1758-0854.2009.01013.xGoogle Scholar
Stark, J., Berger, W. J., & Hössinger, R. (2018). The effectiveness of an intervention to promote active travel modes in early adolescence. Transportation Research, Part F, 55, 389–402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2018.03.017Google Scholar
Stecker, T., McGovern, M. P., & Herr, B. (2012). An intervention to increase alcohol treatment engagement: A pilot trial. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 43, 161–167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2011.10.028Google Scholar
Steinmetz, H., Knappstein, M., Ajzen, I., Schmidt, P., & Kabst, R. (2016). How effective are behavior change interventions based on the theory of planned behavior? A three-level meta-analysis. Zeitschrift Für Psychologie, 224, 216–233. https://doi.org/10.1027/2151-2604/a000255Google Scholar
Trafimow, D. (2012). The role of auxiliary assumptions for the validity of manipulations and measures. Theory and Psychology, 22, 486–498. https://doi.org/10.1177/0959354311429996Google Scholar
Triandis, H. C. (1972). The Analysis of Subjective Culture. New York: Wiley.Google Scholar
Tyson, M., Covey, J., & Rosenthal, H. E. (2014). Theory of planned behavior interventions for reducing heterosexual risk behaviors: A meta-analysis. Health Psychology, 33, 1454–1467. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000047Google Scholar
Webb, T. L., Joseph, J., Yardley, L., & Michie, S. (2010). Using the internet to promote health behavior change: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of theoretical basis, use of behavior change techniques, and mode of delivery on efficacy. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 12, 1–27. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.1376Google Scholar
Webb, T. L., & Sheeran, P. (2006). Does changing behavioral intentions engender behavior change? A meta-analysis of the experimental evidence. Psychological Bulletin, 132, 249–268. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.132.2.249Google Scholar
Winkelnkemper, P., Ajzen, I., & Schmidt, P. (2019). The theory of planned behavior: A meta-analysis using structural equation modeling. Unpublished manuscript.Google Scholar
Yzer, M., & van den Putte, B. (2014). Control perceptions moderate attitudinal and normative effects on intention to quit smoking. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 28, 1153–1161.Google Scholar

Save book to Kindle

To save this book to your Kindle, first ensure [email protected] is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle.

Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.

Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service.

Available formats
×

Save book to Dropbox

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox.

Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

Available formats
×