Theory Of Planned Behaviour

Question 1

Briefly explain what the theory of planned behaviour is (INTRO)

Answer 1

The TPB argues that behaviour can be predicted from our intentions.
There are 3 interacting beliefs (attitudes, subjective norms, control) that can influence our intentions and the possibility of behaviour change.
It can also predict whether treatment will be effective or not for patients.

Question 2

Outline attitudes

Answer 2

A combination of a persons favourable and unfavourable opinions towards their addictive behaviour.
If a person has positive attitudes towards their addictive behaviour, eg gambling, this increases their intention to gamble
If a person has negative attitudes towards their addictive behaviour then this decreases their intention to gamble
If a person has more negative attitudes towards their addictive behaviour then positive then they will form an intention to stop their gambling

Question 3

Outline subjective norms

Answer 3

This is a persons belief of whether others approve or disapprove of their addictive behaviour
If a person believes that the people who matter most to them (parents or partners) disapprove of their addictive behaviour this decreases their intention to gamble and they will form an intention to stop gambling.

Question 4

Outline control

Answer 4

This is a persons belief of control they have over their behaviour which influences their intentions.
Based on:
- external factors- support from others
- internal factors- confidence and determination
-past experiences- have they stopped a behaviour before

It is most important component as without self control then the person is more vulnerable to addictive behaviour
All three components must be present in order to influence their intentions to stop addictive behaviour

Question 5

AO3
Practical application
- implications on economy

Answer 5

The principles of TPB can be used to predict whether treatment will be effective for patients, for example, if patients are missing out one of the three components such as attitudes then they will not have the intention to change their behaviour to stop gambling or smoking. This will have positive implications if the economics as the NHS will spend less time wasting resources of patients who do not have the intention to stop their addiction and they can focus their time and resources of patients who do intend to change behaviour so this could reduce waiting times for therapy. This is importsnt part of applied psychology

Question 6

AO3