Theory of planned behaviour
Formulated by Ajzen. Theory of how we can change our behaviour deliberately
through rational decisions – we evaluate the positive and negative
consequences. It asserts that our behaviour can be predicted from our
intentions, like decision to take drugs or give them up with actual changes in
behaviour. Suggests our intentions to use and give up drugs arise from 3 key
influences: personal attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural
control.
Personal attitudes – an addicted person’s attitudes are a combo of favourable
and unfavourable opinions about their addiction. Personal attitudes are formed
by the person evaluating the positive and negative consequences of their
addiction-related behaviour. E.g. attitudes towards gambling will be favourable
if the person believes the outcomes associated w gambling are positive.
Whereas unfavourable like I lose more money than I gain, will likely form an
intention to gamble less.
Subjective norms – the addicted person’s beliefs about whether those who
matter most to them approve or disapprove of their addictive behaviour.
Beliefs are based on what the addicted person believes to be normal. Do they
also gamble, do they have positive opinions. Intentions are influenced by this.
Application: a person’s intentions can be altered by changing their SN. Many
campaigns combat the influence of peers and overestimation, by providing
messages that reveal the true extent of substance abuse.
Formulated by Ajzen. Theory of how we can change our behaviour deliberately
through rational decisions – we evaluate the positive and negative
consequences. It asserts that our behaviour can be predicted from our
intentions, like decision to take drugs or give them up with actual changes in
behaviour. Suggests our intentions to use and give up drugs arise from 3 key
influences: personal attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural
control.
Personal attitudes – an addicted person’s attitudes are a combo of favourable
and unfavourable opinions about their addiction. Personal attitudes are formed
by the person evaluating the positive and negative consequences of their
addiction-related behaviour. E.g. attitudes towards gambling will be favourable
if the person believes the outcomes associated w gambling are positive.
Whereas unfavourable like I lose more money than I gain, will likely form an
intention to gamble less.
Subjective norms – the addicted person’s beliefs about whether those who
matter most to them approve or disapprove of their addictive behaviour.
Beliefs are based on what the addicted person believes to be normal. Do they
also gamble, do they have positive opinions. Intentions are influenced by this.
Application: a person’s intentions can be altered by changing their SN. Many
campaigns combat the influence of peers and overestimation, by providing
messages that reveal the true extent of substance abuse.
