Addiction- Theory of planned behaviour Flashcards
What does this model suggest
There are three key processes that suggest whether or not we will be successful in changing our behaviour.
Who created the model
Azjen and Fishbein
What does the model focus on
What beliefs a person has about their behaviour.
What are the 3 processes
Attitude towards behaviour
Subjective norms about behaviour
Perceived behavioural control over changing behaviour
How can attitude towards before help addicts
If the addict recognises that the behaviour is a negative one, this increases the chances of recovery.
This means that awareness of the issues is important.
What does subjective norms refer to
This refers to the belief of the group that the addict belongs to.
Relates to subjective awareness of social norms relating to specific addictions
If an addict is surrounded by fellow addicts, there is a big chance that the group as a whole will not realise their issue.
This could be why AA is so effective. Creating a new subjective norm, etc.
What is perceived behavioural control
This refers to the extent to which an individual feels they have the control to beat the addiction.
If an addict has an external locus of control, they will feel their attempts will be fruitless and they could never beat their addiction.
What did Godin find
That one of the most important predictors of actual smoking BEHAVIOUR was perceived behavioural control. This suggests that strategies to help people break smoking addiction should focus on developing willpower and informing individuals of the effort that will be required to stop smoking. Thus they will have greater perceived control and be able to break the habit.
What did White find
examined the sun protection habits, intentions and behaviours of young people in Australia.
Over 100 ppts between 12 and 20 years completed a questionnaire
Two weeks later, ppts reported their sun protection behaviour.
All three factors of the model predicted behaviour, but perceived behavioural control was the biggest factor.
Evaluation, evidence
Hager
Research support - Hagger et al (2011) - found all 3 factors (personal attitude, etc) all predicted an intention to limit drinking.
Tested TPB with regard to alc related behaviours with 486 employees from Estonia, Finland, Sweden amd Uk.
Found 3 factors: personal attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control all predicted behavioural intentions to limit alc intake, best predictor was perceived behavioural control.
Suggests that TPB can accurately predict dangerous and unwanted addictive behaviours.
Evaluation, theoretical problems
Too rational.
Not all behaviours are planned, especially addictions
For example, very few people start gambling and plan to become addicted- could be considered and impulse disorder.
Suggests that TPB may not be suitable as a complete explanation for understanding addictive behaviours.
Evaluation, application
The TPB can be put to good effect in a therapeutic climate
As this is a cognitive model, can be used effectively as a part of CBT
E.g can be used within HW assignments by testing percieved behavioural control or challenge attitudes.
This could imply, the TPB can be readily applied to help the huge amount of people suffering form addictions.
Evaluation, research issues
The research into TPB is solely correlational and cannot identify causal relationships
For instance, researchers may well find perceived behavioural control links to addictive behaviour but both of these issues may be a product of dispositional factors
For example, neuroticism, high external loc and extroversion may all contribute to addictions and have a perceived low level of control
This means the research into TPB may not provide complete support for this explanation
Evaluation, mechanical reductionism
This theory can be accused of suffering from mechanical reductionism
We are more than just cognitions. Some of our behaviour especially addictions which could be classified as impulse disorders, are largely governed by emotions not cognition
Hence TPB may have theoretical problem when applied to addictive behaviours.
Research support - Hagger et al (2011) - found all 3 factors (personal attitude, etc) all predicted an intention to limit drinking.
Tested TPB with regard to alc related behaviours with ___ employees from _______, _______, _______ and __.
Found 3 factors: personal attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control all predicted behavioural intentions to limit alc intake, best predictor was perceived behavioural control.
Suggests that TPB can accurately predict dangerous and unwanted addictive behaviours.
486
Estonia
Finland
Sweden
Uk
