The Value of the Theory of Planned Behavior, Perceived Control, and Self-Efficacy Expectations for Predicting Health-Protective Behaviors

作者：Kevin D. McCaul, Ann K. Sandgren, H. Katherine O’Neill, Verlin B. Hinsz · 发表于：Basic and Applied Social Psychology · 年份：1993 · DOI：10.1207/s15324834basp1402_7 · 被引用次数：157 · 研究领域：Behavioral Health and Interventions、Social and Intergroup Psychology、Environmental Education and Sustainability

In two studies we asked whether self-efficacy expectations and perceived control predict intentions to act and the performance of health-protective behaviors. Young adults took part in treatments intended to increase adherence to either a regimen of breast self-exam or testicular self-exam (Experiment 1) or to a dental regime (Experiment 2). We gathered measures of attitudes subjective norms, self-efficacy, perceived control, behavioral intentions, and, at follow-up, self-reported behavior. Regression analyses demonstrated that attitudes and subjective norms predicted intentions to perform breast and testicular self-exams (R2s = .34 and .43, respectively) and intentions to brush and floss one's teeth (R2s = .11 and .15, respectively). Perceived control added significantly to the prediction of these health-protective behavioral intentions and was a better predictor than self-efficacy, which was defined as perceived ability. Both studies clearly support the predictive value of the theory of planned behavior, which included perceived control, in the realm of health behavior. The studies also suggest the need for more research to elucidate the meaning of the perceived control construct.