In Theory of Planned Behavior, which components predict intention and behavior?

• A. Attitudes toward the behavior, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control
• B. Knowledge, skills, barriers
• C. Self-efficacy, locus of control, norms
• D. Attitudes toward the behavior, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control; intention mediates between them and behavior

Answer: (D)

In the Theory of Planned Behavior, the likelihood of performing a behavior is shaped first by intention, which is influenced by three beliefs about the behavior: attitudes toward the behavior (how favorable or unfavorable you feel about doing it), subjective norms (perceived social pressure to perform or not perform it), and perceived behavioral control (your sense of how easy or difficult it would be to do). These three factors predict intention, and intention then predicts behavior. The option that lists attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control as predictors of intention and states that intention mediates between them and behavior best reflects this pathway. It’s also useful to remember that perceived behavioral control can have a direct effect on behavior when control is not complete, but the central idea is that intention sits between these predictors and eventual action.