The Theory of Planned Behavior
Recently I signed up for an online course on writing. I dived right in, soaking up all the tips and tricks from the first few lessons. And then life happened. I put the course on the back burner. Weeks passed, and I kept thinking about how much I wanted to continue the course.
But I never did.
Why does that happen? This is what the Theory of Planned Behavior tries to explain.
Theory of Planned Behavior Overview
The Theory of Planned Behavior states that level of intent is shaped by three things: attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control.Let me break that down for you. Basically your plan to accomplish something will be affected by your feelings towards that thing, what key individuals will think about your behavior, and your belief in your own ability to succeed in a specific task.
Example
Rod is a 32 year-old accountant. During college he played basketball and flag football on rec teams. Rod not only loved playing sports but being a part of a team. But now he spends eight hours a day behind a desk. Recently he visited the doctor and was diagnosed with high blood pressure. He still has friends that play pickup basketball on Wednesday nights.
Rod has past successful experiences with exercise. He knows that it can be fun and that it will help him get in shape. He also has important people that want him to play basketball.
According to the Theory of Planned Behavior, this would help Rod take action and get active once again.
Key Terms
Here are a few definitions that can help you understand this model.Attitudes: Your belief that a behavior will be enjoyable or harmful. Often our attitudes are shaped by past experience.
Subjective norms: Your opinion about what influencers in your life will approve or disapprove of your actions.
Social norms: The “normal” behavior in a group or culture.
Perceived control: Your belief in your ability to influence and shape the events in your life.
Self efficacy: The belief you have in your own abilities to overcome challenges and complete future tasks.
Limitations
We all know that there can be a huge gap between what we intend to do and what we actually do.Several studies have shown that our intentions to start exercising do not always lead to action. Another limitation of the TPB is the lack of tangible data.
Recent research shows that by pairing TPB with implementation intention, people will be more likely to actually change their behavior. Implementation includes setting goals and recording progress.
Next Steps
Understand your level of intent when it comes to exercise. Develop a workout plan and a way to record your progress.SOURCES
1. Armitage, C. J., & Conner, M. (2001, 12). Efficacy of the Theory of Planned Behaviour: A meta-analytic review. British Journal of Social Psychology, 40(4), 471-499. doi:10.1348/014466601164939
2. Battista, R. A., Mayol, M., Hargens, T., & Everett, K. L. (2018). ACSM's resources for the personal trainer. Wolters Kluwer Health.
3. Behavioral Change Models. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/SB/BehavioralChangeTheories/BehavioralChangeTheories3.html
4. Consumer Health Informatics Research Resource - Subjective Norm. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://chirr.nlm.nih.gov/subjective-norm.php
5. Perceived Control. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.alleydog.com/glossary/definition.php?term=Perceived+Control
6. What is Self-Efficacy Theory in Psychology? Definition & Examples ( PDF). (2018, August 29). Retrieved from https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/self-efficacy/
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