Theory of Planned Behaviour

Question 1

What does the TPB suggest about behaviour? (2 points)

Answer 1

• Suggests that behaviour is under conscious control, and a set of beliefs effect behaviour change
• The models sees ‘behavioural intention’ as the key to successful behavioural change

Question 2

What 3 interrelated components are said to determine behavioural intention? (3 points)

Answer 2

• Behavioural attitude
• Subjective norm
• Perceived behavioural control

Question 3

Outline Behavioural attitude (3 points)

Answer 3

• The belief that the behaviour leads to certain outcomes, as well as his / her evaluation of such outcomes - i.e. desirable or undesirable
• Based upon the person’s appraisal of the consequences - e.g. “will smoking be good or bad for me?”
• Largely acquired from socialisation and laws

Question 4

Outline Subjective Norm (3 points)

Answer 4

• Relates to a subjective awareness of social norms relating to specific addictions
• Influenced by perceptions of what key others are doing (parents, peers) as well as the individual’s motivation to comply with specific groups
• “Is it socially acceptable?” “Is everyone else doing it?”

Question 5

Outline Perceived Behavioural Control (4 points)

Answer 5

• Refers to the individual’s beliefs about the presence of factors that may aid in carrying out the behaviour OR impede them
• High levels of this equate to higher intentions as well as greater perseverance to achieve change
• How much a person believes they can control their behaviour
• Influenced by internal factors (willpower) & external factors (stress)

Question 6

What do all 3 components lead to? (1 point)

Answer 6

Intention:
- Make a decision that they are going to do something - e.g. “I am going to stop smoking”

Question 7

(Strength) Outline supporting evidence from Hagger et al (2011) (3 points)

Answer 7

• Tested TPB with regards to alcohol-related behaviours, with 486 employees from Estonia, Finland, Sweden & UK
• Found that THE 3 factors all predicted behavioural intentions to limit alcohol intake, with the best predictor being perceived behavioural control
• Suggests TPB can accurately predict dangerous & unwanted addictions

Question 8

(Weakness) Why is the TPB too rational? (3 points)

Answer 8

• Not all behaviour is planned & conscious - especially addictions
• E.G: very few people start gambling & PLAN to become addicted and a gambling addiction could be considered a impulsive disorder (i.e. driven by emotion - not always rational)
• Suggests TPB may not be suitable as a complete explanation

Question 9

(Strength) What are the practical applications for TPB? (3 points)

Answer 9

• Can be put to good effect in therapy
• 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 perceived behavioural control or to challenge attitudes

Question 10

(Weakness) How could this theory be accused of suffering from MECHANICAL REDUCTIONISM? (2 points)

Answer 10

• Some of our behaviours, especially addictions which could be classed as impulsive disorders, are largely governed by emotions NOT cognitions
• Hence TPB may have theoretical problems when applied to addictive behaviours