Health psychology/Models & behaviour · Behavioural model

Theory of Planned Behaviour

What it means

Behaviour follows from intention, which is shaped by attitudes toward the behaviour, subjective norms (social pressure), and perceived behavioural control.

Worked example

Intention to exercise is driven by a positive attitude, friends who exercise, and the belief one is able to.

In the exam

Whether a patient starts exercising is best predicted by his intention, which in turn reflects his attitude to it, what those around him expect, and how able he feels to do it.

What settles it

Planned Behaviour is built around INTENTION (attitude + norms + control). The Health Belief Model is built around perceived threat vs benefits/barriers.

Classically confused with

Health Belief Model

Source: Ajzen